This Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken is a tasty blend of sweet and spicy! Juicy chicken is coated with a zesty peach sauce and a kick of jalapeno heat that will wake up your taste buds.
I love how the juicy peaches balance out the spice—it’s like a party in your mouth! Serve it with rice, and you’re all set for a fun dinner. And trust me, leftovers are great too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein, but you can replace them with thighs for more flavor. Also, consider tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring great flavor, but if they’re out of season, use canned peaches in juice or 1 cup of peach preserves. Just adjust the sweetness from the honey accordingly!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick, but you can substitute with red pepper flakes or a milder pepper like poblano if you want less heat.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both act as sweeteners. You can switch honey with agave syrup for a vegan option, or use brown sugar for a different flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice will work too!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Chicken?
To keep your chicken juicy and tender, start by searing it properly. Here’s how:
- Heat your olive oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet; cook in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes before flipping to get a nice golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is key!
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps lock in juices, making your meal even more delicious. Happy cooking!
Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Peach Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 cup peach preserves)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to desired spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 20-25 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 35 minutes. Quick enough for a delightful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the chicken once it’s seared.
2. Make the Peach Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, add the diced peaches (or peach preserves), chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until smooth to create your spicy peach sauce. Set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Coat the Chicken:
After the chicken is nicely browned, pour your prepared spicy peach sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated in this flavorful mixture.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness!
6. Let it Rest:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it yummy and tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if you like, and serve with rice, quinoa, or your choice of steamed vegetables. Enjoy your flavorful and spicy dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for the best results, or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear!
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dish?
If you prefer a milder dish, use only one jalapeño or remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping. You can also substitute jalapeños with a milder pepper, like a bell pepper or diced poblano, for just a hint of heat.
What Can I Use Instead of Peaches?
If peaches are out of season or you can’t find them, you can use canned peaches in their juice or 1 cup of peach preserves. Just adjust the sweetness in the sauce by reducing the amount of honey or maple syrup to avoid it being too sweet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Enjoy the delightful flavors again!
