Jalapeno Peach Chicken: Spicy & Sweet
Reader Favorite Poultry.
Juicy chicken thighs in a sweet and spicy jalapeno peach glaze. A perfect balance of flavors for a memorable weeknight meal.
I remember standing at a farmer's market one afternoon, holding a basket of the most perfectly ripe peaches. The smell was just incredible. I knew I wanted to do more than just make a pie. In the next stall over, there was a pile of shiny green jalapenos, and a little idea sparked. What if I brought them together? That night, in my kitchen, this recipe was born. It felt a little like a happy accident, the kind of cooking I love most. It’s comforting but has this little surprising kick. It’s summer on a plate, really.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- •The flavor is just incredible. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all at once.
- •It’s a one-pan meal, which means cleanup is a breeze.
- •So quick! Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit fancy.
- •It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- •The glossy glaze makes the chicken look so beautiful and appetizing.
Wow. I made this last night and my husband couldn't stop talking about it. He said it was the best chicken dish he's had in years. The glaze is absolutely addictive, and the spice level was just perfect. This is officially going into our regular rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are my favorite here. They stay so juicy and tender. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them.
- Peach Preserves: This is the heart of the glaze. It gives you that concentrated sweet peach flavor and helps create that beautiful, sticky consistency. Any brand you like will work perfectly.
- Fresh Jalapenos: You control the heat. For a gentle warmth, remove all the seeds and membranes. If you love spice, leave a few seeds in. The heat balances the sweetness of the peaches so nicely.
Complete Cooking Process
- Start by patting your chicken thighs completely dry. This is my little secret for getting a really nice golden-brown crust.
- Season them simply but generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Get your skillet nice and hot with some olive oil.
- Sear the chicken thighs for a good 5-6 minutes on each side. Don't move them around too much! Let them develop that beautiful color.
- Once cooked, take them out and let them rest on a plate.
- In that same pan (don’t you dare wash it!), lower the heat and soften the garlic and jalapenos. The smell is just heavenly.
- Whisk in the peach preserves, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it all come to a gentle bubble and thicken up a bit. This only takes a few minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the pan. I love this part.
- Spoon that gorgeous, glossy glaze all over the chicken until every piece is coated. Let it all hang out together in the pan for a minute to get acquainted.
- Serve it right away, nice and hot.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Of course. They cook a bit faster, so just watch them closely to make sure they don’t dry out. Searing for about 4-5 minutes per side should do it, depending on their thickness.
→How spicy is this dish?
It’s really up to you! For just a hint of warmth, be sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeno. If you want more of a kick, leave some seeds in. One jalapeno usually gives a nice, mild heat.
→Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
This recipe uses peach preserves for the glaze, which works best. You can certainly use thawed frozen or drained canned peaches for the fresh garnish if ripe peaches aren't in season.
→What should I serve with this?
It’s wonderful with simple steamed rice to soak up the extra glaze. A side of roasted broccoli or green beans is also lovely. Something simple is best to let the chicken really shine.
Jalapeno Peach Chicken: Spicy & Sweet
Jalapeno Peach Chicken: succulent chicken thighs coated in a peach glaze infused with jalapeno peppers. Sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 014 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 021 tablespoon olive oil
- 031/2 teaspoon salt
- 041/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 051/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Jalapeno Peach Glaze
- 011 tablespoon olive oil
- 022 cloves garlic, minced
- 031-2 jalapenos, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 041/2 cup peach preserves or jam
- 051/4 cup chicken broth
- 062 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 071 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 081 fresh peach, pitted and diced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sliced jalapenos and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Whisk in the peach preserves, chicken broth, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the glaze simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.
Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the chicken, coating it completely. Let it bubble together for another minute or two.
Serve the chicken immediately, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh diced peaches and a few extra jalapeno slices if you like.
Notes & Tips
- 1If you don't have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
- 2The fresh peach garnish is optional but adds a wonderful texture and fresh flavor contrast.
Tools You'll Need
- •Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning and searing. It makes a huge difference in getting that golden crust.
- •Don’t walk away while the garlic is cooking. It can burn in an instant, so keep an eye on it.
- •Use a whisk to mix the glaze ingredients in the pan. It helps the preserves melt smoothly into the sauce.
- •Taste the glaze before you add the chicken back in. You might want a tiny bit more salt or a splash more vinegar.
Love This Recipe?
Get more delicious recipes like this delivered to your inbox every week!