🎉 Introduction
Few flavor combinations are as exciting and satisfying as sweet fruit paired with gentle heat, and this Jalapeño Peach Chicken delivers that balance beautifully. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a glossy peach glaze infused with jalapeño, warm spices, and savory notes, creating a dish that feels bold, comforting, and irresistibly crave-worthy. Every bite offers a contrast of sweetness and spice that keeps the meal exciting from start to finish.
Peaches bring natural sweetness and a soft, jammy texture that clings perfectly to the chicken, while jalapeño adds just enough heat to wake up the palate without overwhelming it. Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar provide depth and balance, keeping the glaze rich but not heavy. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special meals.
This recipe is made with simple ingredients, cooks in one pan, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s naturally high in protein, family-friendly, and easy to customize depending on how spicy you like your food. Whether served with rice, vegetables, or a simple side, this Jalapeño Peach Chicken is guaranteed to become a standout favorite in your dinner rotation.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
🛒 Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Fruits & Vegetables
- 2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, finely sliced
Sauce & Condiments
- ½ cup peach preserves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅝ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic
Cooking Fat
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a sticky, glossy, sweet-and-spicy chicken dish with bold flavor and beautiful balance.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together peach preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Jalapeño and Peaches
- In the same pan, add sliced jalapeño and peaches.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until slightly softened and fragrant.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
- Pour the prepared peach glaze into the pan.
- Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Finish the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Perfect for bold, comforting dinners with minimal prep.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Freeze for up to 2 months in sealed containers.
Reheating
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
- Extra Spicy Version: Add more jalapeño or red pepper flakes
- Milder Version: Remove jalapeño seeds
- Grilled Chicken Option: Grill chicken and glaze afterward
- Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes
- Veggie Add-In: Add bell peppers or onions
- Meal Prep Option: Serve with rice or quinoa
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy and easy to adjust. - Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. - Can I use canned peaches?
Fresh is best, but canned works if drained well. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce jalapeño for mild heat. - Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, peach preserves create a glossy glaze. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well. - What sides pair well with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or salad. - Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s balanced and protein-rich. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, it contains no dairy.
🏁 Conclusion
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is the perfect expression of sweet-and-spicy comfort food. Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky peach glaze with subtle heat create a dish that feels bold, satisfying, and unforgettable. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a meal that delivers excitement and balance in every bite. Once you try it, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
Jalapeño Peach Chicken – A Perfectly Balanced Sweet-and-Spicy Dinner with Juicy Chicken and Sticky Peach Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together peach preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sliced jalapeño and peaches.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Pour the prepared peach glaze into the pan.
- Stir gently and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Refrigerator Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer Freeze for up to 2 months in sealed containers. Reheating Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much. 🥄 Variations Extra Spicy Version: Add more jalapeño or red pepper flakes Milder Version: Remove jalapeño seeds Grilled Chicken Option: Grill chicken and glaze afterward Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes Veggie Add-In: Add bell peppers or onions Meal Prep Option: Serve with rice or quinoa ❓ 10 FAQs Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy and easy to adjust. Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Can I use canned peaches?
Fresh is best, but canned works if drained well. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce jalapeño for mild heat. Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, peach preserves create a glossy glaze. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well. What sides pair well with this?
Rice, roasted vegetables, or salad. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s balanced and protein-rich. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, it contains no dairy. 🏁 Conclusion This Jalapeño Peach Chicken is the perfect expression of sweet-and-spicy comfort food. Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky peach glaze with subtle heat create a dish that feels bold, satisfying, and unforgettable. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a meal that delivers excitement and balance in every bite. Once you try it, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
