Jalapeño Peach Chicken: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something so enchanting about the transition into the warmer months; the days grow longer, blossoms start to bloom, and the promise of sweet, juicy peaches tempts us from the market stalls. This year, I found an irresistible way to marry the heat of jalapeños with the sweetness of ripe peaches in a delightful dish I like to call Jalapeño Peach Chicken. With its tender, golden-brown chicken smothered in a zesty peach sauce, this recipe doesn’t just feed the belly—it warms the heart, too. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that makes every day feel like a cozy family gathering.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes of hands-on prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold flavors: The combination of sweet peaches and spicy jalapeños creates a unique and balanced sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish; the sweetness of peaches balances the spice, making it approachable for everyone.
- One-pan meal: This all-in-one dish means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax and enjoy with family.
- Satisfying and nourishing: Packed with protein and fresh fruit, this chicken dish offers a comforting meal that feels as good as it tastes.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 3 peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Let’s Make It Together
Follow these simple steps to craft your cozy Jalapeño Peach Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C); this will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and comes out tender and juicy.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides, making sure each piece is well-coated for the best flavor.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—this is the perfect time to sear your chicken!
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown, forming that beautiful crust that seals in the juiciness.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, add the diced jalapeños and peaches. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, infusing the kitchen with their bright, inviting aroma.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. This sweet and tangy mixture will enhance the flavors of both the chicken and the fruit.
- Pour the honey mixture over the jalapeños and peaches, stirring well to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top so they soak up all that goodness.
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy and delicious.
- Serve your Jalapeño Peach Chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. Enjoy every tender, mouthwatering bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe! Here are a few delightful variations to consider:
- Swap fruits: Try using ripe mango or nectarines for a different sweetness that complements the heat of the jalapeños perfectly.
- Add nuts: For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the chicken before serving.
- Zesty twist: Add a splash of lime juice or some chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the dish and add a fresh pop of flavor.
- Creamy topping: For a richer finish, serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt or sour cream to contrast the spice.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
When it comes to making this dish perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Make-ahead advice: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It’ll save you time on the day you want to cook.
- Ingredient swaps: If you can’t find fresh peaches, canned peaches in juice or frozen peaches will work exceptionally well; just drain and thaw them before cooking.
- Slicing techniques: When prepping your peppers, wear gloves if you’re sensitive to heat, and be sure to remove all the seeds for a milder experience.
- Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 290
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 21g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 26g
Sodium: 420mg
Wrapping It Up
As the warm scents of jalapeños and peaches fill your kitchen, you’ll understand how special this Jalapeño Peach Chicken truly is. It’s a dish that brings brightness to any meal, with flavors that tell a story of warmth and togetherness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a loved one or gathering around the table with family, it’s a recipe designed to create memories.
Save this Jalapeño Peach Chicken to your cozy meal ideas board so it’s ready whenever you need a comforting treat!
Print
Jalapeño Peach Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful dish marrying the heat of jalapeños with the sweetness of ripe peaches, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 3 peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the diced jalapeños and peaches to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the honey mixture over the jalapeños and peaches, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to swap fruits, add nuts, or top with creamy yogurt for variations. Make-ahead sauce saves time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, dinner, jalapeño, peach, easy recipes, weeknight meals