Jalapeno Peach Chicken

Featured in Cozy Comfort Food Classics.

Jalapeno Peach Chicken brings together succulent chicken thighs with the perfect balance of sweet peaches and spicy jalapenos. The dish starts with chicken thighs seasoned with chili powder, salt, and pepper, then pan-fried until golden and juicy. The magic happens when fresh peach slices and thinly sliced jalapenos are sautéed together, then coated in a mouthwatering peach glaze made with peach preserves, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This creates a delectable sauce that's sweet, tangy, and carries just enough heat to make each bite exciting without overwhelming your palate. Ready in just over 30 minutes, this one-skillet dinner delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:24:31 GMT
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Jalapeno Peach Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

This jalapeno peach chicken delivers an irresistible combination of sweet and spicy flavors that dance across your palate with each bite. The succulent chicken thighs remain juicy and tender while absorbing the vibrant glaze made from sweet peach preserves and spicy jalapenos. As the ingredients simmer together, they create a beautiful harmony where the natural sweetness of the peaches balances perfectly with the subtle heat of the peppers. The result is a dish that feels sophisticated yet comforting, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

I created this recipe during peach season when I found myself with an abundance of ripe fruit and a craving for something beyond the usual desserts. The first time I served it to friends, conversation stopped momentarily as everyone savored that first bite. Even my brother-in-law, who typically avoids anything remotely spicy, asked for seconds. The balance of flavors seems to appeal to almost everyone, making it one of my most requested recipes during summer gatherings.

Essential Ingredients

  • Peach preserves: ½ cup (high-quality with visible fruit)
  • Boneless chicken thighs: 2 pounds
  • Jalapeño pepper: 1 medium (seeds adjusted for heat)
  • Fresh yellow peaches: 2 medium (firm and ripe)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder: ½ teaspoon

Cooking Instructions

Glaze Preparation:
Whisk peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, and spices
Chicken Seasoning:
Pat thighs dry, coat with salt, pepper, and chili powder
Searing:
Brown chicken in olive oil 5 minutes per side
Vegetable Sauté:
Cook jalapeños and peaches in drippings until softened
Final Assembly:
Combine glaze, vegetables, and chicken. Simmer 2 minutes to meld flavors
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Spicy Peach-Glazed Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

My family discovered this during a bountiful peach season. My husband, skeptical of fruit in savory dishes, became an instant convert. The kids loved the sweet-spicy balance, and we now preserve peaches specifically to make this year-round.

Serving Suggestions

  • Jasmine rice to soak up glaze
  • Steamed broccoli for crunch
  • Cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
  • Crusty bread for sauce dipping

Heat Customization

  • Mild: Use seeded jalapeños or poblanos
  • Spicy: Add habanero or keep jalapeño seeds
  • Zero Heat: Substitute Cubanelle peppers

Meal Prep Tips

  • Make glaze 3 days ahead
  • Season chicken 24 hours in advance
  • Reheat leftovers with splash of water
Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Peach Chicken Pin it
Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Peach Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

This dish exemplifies how simple contrasts create magic. The sweet-spicy harmony surprises guests, transforming skepticism into delight. It's become our summer staple, proving unexpected pairings can yield unforgettable flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. I recommend pounding them to even thickness and reducing the cooking time to about 4 minutes per side, or until they reach 165°F internally.
→ How spicy is this dish?
With one jalapeno, it has a noticeable kick but isn't overwhelming. For milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno. For more heat, add another jalapeno or include some red pepper flakes.
→ Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren't available, thawed frozen peaches work great. Canned peaches will also work - just drain them well and use the ones packed in juice rather than syrup for best flavor.
→ What sides pair well with Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. If needed, you can reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.

Jalapeno Peach Chicken

This Jalapeno Peach Chicken pairs juicy chicken thighs with sweet peaches and spicy jalapenos for an irresistible sweet-heat combination.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
31 Minutes

Category: Comfort Food

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Peaches

01 2 yellow peaches, pitted, sliced

→ Peach Glaze

02 ½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
03 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
04 1 teaspoon soy sauce
05 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
06 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
08 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
09 ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
10 ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Chicken

11 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
12 1 teaspoon kosher salt
13 ½ teaspoon black pepper
14 ½ teaspoon chili powder
15 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 1 medium jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a medium bowl and mix all those glaze ingredients together until they're well combined. Set this aside for now - we'll use it later.

Step 02

First, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and chili powder, then generously season both sides of your chicken thighs.

Step 03

Heat up your large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once it's nice and hot, add your seasoned chicken thighs (you might need to cook in batches if they don't all fit). Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip them over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes until they reach 165°F internal temperature. Move the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 04

Using the same skillet, turn the heat back up to medium and add those jalapeno slices. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, then toss in your sliced peaches and cook together for another 3 minutes until the peaches soften up nicely.

Step 05

Pour that peach glaze you made earlier into the skillet with the peaches and jalapenos. Stir everything around so all those peaches and peppers get nicely coated. Then nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spoon some of that gorgeous glaze over the top, and let everything heat through for about 1-2 minutes.

Notes

  1. This dish combines sweet peaches with spicy jalapenos for a perfect sweet-heat balance.
  2. The chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy while getting smothered in the flavorful glaze.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for seasonings
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce)
  • Contains mustard

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 412
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~