Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken

This Jalapeno Peach Chicken transforms regular chicken thighs into a sticky, spicy, sweet delight that balances the natural sweetness of peaches with the kick of jalapeños. The combination creates a perfect summer dinner that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

I first made this dish when peaches were overflowing at our local farmers market last summer. My husband who typically avoids fruit in savory dishes couldn't stop raving about the combination of juicy peaches and spicy jalapeños.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: critical for their juicy texture and flavor that stands up to the bold glaze
• Yellow peaches: choose firm but ripe peaches that yield slightly to pressure
• Peach preserves: forms the base of the glaze providing concentrated sweetness
• Jalapeño pepper: adds essential heat use more or less depending on your spice preference
• Soy sauce: brings umami depth to balance the sweetness
• Apple cider vinegar: adds necessary acidity to cut through the rich flavors
• Dijon mustard: provides subtle tang and helps thicken the glaze
• Olive oil: helps bind the flavors and creates a silky texture in the glaze
• Garlic: minced fresh for the most vibrant flavor
• Chili powder: adds complexity beyond just heat
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors without being too harsh

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Glaze:

Combine peach preserves olive oil soy sauce apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard minced garlic salt pepper and red pepper flakes in a bowl and mix thoroughly until smooth. The glaze should have a glossy appearance with all ingredients fully incorporated.

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Mix together kosher salt black pepper and chili powder in a small bowl then generously coat both sides of each chicken thigh. Make sure to press the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken thighs presentation side down first without overcrowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for a full 5 minutes to develop a golden crust then flip and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Prepare the Vegetables:

After removing chicken increase heat back to medium and add sliced jalapeños to the same skillet utilizing the flavorful fond left behind. Sauté jalapeños for 3 minutes until they start to soften then add sliced peaches and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. The peaches should become slightly tender while still maintaining their shape.

Create the Final Dish:

Pour the prepared peach glaze over the jalapeños and peaches in the skillet stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Return the chicken to the pan nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon the glaze generously over each piece of chicken and allow everything to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Save This

My favorite part of this recipe is how the jalapeños mellow slightly during cooking while still maintaining their distinctive heat. The first time I served this to friends they were skeptical about the combination but ended up asking for the recipe before dessert was even served.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Try substituting apricot preserves for peach or using boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs just be careful not to overcook them. For a less spicy version remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes before slicing or reduce the amount by half.

Storage Solutions

This Jalapeño Peach Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating add a tablespoon of water to the sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick and warm gently on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant chicken over fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provides textural contrast to the sticky chicken. For a complete summer meal pair it with grilled corn on the cob which echoes the seasonal sweetness of the peaches.

Historical Context

The combination of fruit and meat has been popular in Southern cooking for generations particularly during peach season. This recipe modernizes traditional Southern peach chicken by adding jalapeños which reflects the growing influence of Southwestern flavors in contemporary American cooking. The dish represents a beautiful culinary fusion that celebrates regional ingredients in an accessible way.

Common Queries

→ What makes the peach glaze spicy?

The spice in the peach glaze comes from thinly sliced jalapeno peppers and a pinch of red pepper flakes, adding a balanced heat to the sweetness of the peaches.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking, as they are typically leaner than thighs.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and cook the chicken in advance. Reheat the dish gently on the stove before serving to maintain its flavor and texture.