One pan, 35 minutes, and zero stress in the kitchen. This Jalapeno Peach Chicken is the perfect solution for your busy weeknights. It combines sweet fruit preserves with a mild, fresh heat. You can have a gourmet-style meal on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it uses simple pantry staples. You likely have peach preserves and soy sauce in your kitchen right now. It is perfect for busy summer evenings when you want fresh flavors. The sweet and spicy combination keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it only takes one skillet to make.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You start by searing the chicken until it is perfectly golden. Then, you whisk together a quick glaze in the same pan. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this. The sticky peach glaze thickens up in just a few minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find at any local grocery store.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken and transfer to a plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced jalapenos to the residual oil and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir constantly until the preserves melt and the sauce begins to simmer.
- Simmer the glaze for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the breasts and cook for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all that extra sweet and spicy glaze. Add a side of roasted green beans or a crisp salad. This meal is great for a casual date night at home. Pair it with a cold glass of lime water.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the glaze. This keeps the meat tender and juicy for lunch the next day. Avoid using the microwave if you have time.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
- Remove the seeds from the jalapenos for a milder flavor.
- Don’t skip the fresh lime juice at the very end.
- Grate your ginger fresh for the best aromatic punch.
- Double the glaze if you love extra sauce for your rice.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- For a summer BBQ feel, grill the chicken instead of searing.
- Always let the chicken rest for two minutes before slicing.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the chicken for thick-cut pork chops for a different protein.
- Use apricot preserves if you cannot find peach at the store.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add extra jalapeno seeds if you prefer a much spicier kick.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely first. Pat it very dry so it sears properly in the pan. This ensures you get that beautiful golden crust.
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
The peach preserves add a lot of sweetness to balance the heat. If your kids are sensitive, use only one jalapeno. Always remove all the seeds to keep it mild.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can use a half teaspoon of ground ginger instead. However, fresh ginger provides a much brighter and zestier flavor. It really makes the glaze pop.
I hope this bright and zesty meal becomes a new favorite. It is such a simple way to make weeknight dinner feel fancy. Enjoy every bite of that sticky peach glaze tonight!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 teaspoon sal t
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 jalapeno peppers , seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken and transfer to a plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced jalapenos to the residual oil and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir constantly until the preserves melt and the sauce begins to simmer.
- Simmer the glaze for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the breasts and cook for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
