Description
Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that marries the sweetness of ripe peaches with the heat of fresh jalapeños, creating a delicious balance of spicy and sweet. The tender chicken is seared to perfection and topped with a tangy, slightly spicy peach sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. This dish is perfect for a summer dinner, a BBQ, or anytime you’re craving something with a little kick and a lot of flavor. It’s an exciting twist on traditional chicken that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Jalapeños: The heat from the jalapeños provides a spicy contrast to the sweetness of the peaches. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Peaches: The juicy sweetness of fresh peaches complements the heat of the jalapeños and adds a refreshing flavor to the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the flavor of the chicken and adds a hint of smokiness to the sauce.
- Honey: A touch of honey adds extra sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the spice.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Peach Jalapeño Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped red onion and jalapeños. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Garlic and Peaches: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped peaches to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the peaches cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and break down. Use a spoon to mash some of the peaches to create a chunky sauce.
- Add Lime Juice and Honey: Stir in the lime juice and honey (if using) to the sauce, and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired).
Assemble and Serve:
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the peach jalapeño sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the chicken with the peach jalapeño sauce on top, along with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 35g