Description

Jalapeno Chicken with Peaches is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a skillet and paired with a sweet and spicy peach-jalapeno sauce. The combination of juicy peaches, spicy jalapenos, and savory seasonings creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, garnished with fresh cilantro. This recipe is easy to prepare and great for a delicious, juicy meal with a hint of Southern flair.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Toppings

2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and sliced
1/4 cup peach preserves
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons chicken broth
Cilantro, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Rub the seasoning blend onto the chicken evenly, ensuring full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
Make the Jalapeno Peach Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until browned. Reduce heat to medium-low, flip the chicken, and cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook the Sauce and Fruit: In the same skillet, add the peach slices, jalapeno slices, and prepared sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes until the peaches soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
Simmer Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken occasionally to enhance flavor absorption.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and drizzle remaining glaze over the chicken. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Remove jalapeno seeds and ribs to reduce spicy heat without losing flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing over- or undercooking.
Use ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor balance; unripe peaches will impart a sour taste.
Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before slicing.
For a grilled variation, grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until 165°F, then proceed with sauce preparation and simmering as directed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American