Jalapeno Peach Chicken

by

Looking for a delightful twist to your dinner routine? Look no further than this tantalizing recipe for Jalapeno Peach Chicken. This dish combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the bold kick of jalapeno peppers, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

  • Peaches: 2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
  • Peach Glaze:
    • ½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Chicken:
    • 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Peach Glaze Preparation:
    • In a medium bowl, combine all the peach glaze ingredients until well incorporated. Set aside for later use.
  2. Preparing the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
    • In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this seasoning mixture onto both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
    • Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium-low after flipping the chicken.
    • Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Cooking the Jalapeno Peach Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium and add the thinly sliced jalapeno peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
    • Add the sliced peaches to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they are tender.
    • Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet, stirring to coat the peaches and jalapenos evenly. Allow the glaze to simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Bringing It All Together:
    • Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the peach glaze over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated and coated with the glaze.
    • Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. Serving:
    • Transfer the Jalapeno Peach Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Calories: 412 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 6

 

Serving Tips:

  1. Presentation is key! Arrange the Jalapeno Peach Chicken on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
  2. Serve the dish alongside your favorite sides such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
  3. For a festive touch, consider serving the chicken on individual plates with a drizzle of extra peach glaze for added flavor.
  4. Pair the dish with a refreshing beverage like iced tea, a crisp white wine, or a fruity cocktail to complement the flavors.

Storage Tips:

  1. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. When reheating, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  3. For best results, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
  4. Alternatively, you can enjoy leftovers cold as a delicious addition to salads or sandwiches for a quick and easy meal.
  5. If you have a large batch of leftover chicken, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for longer-term storage. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

 

Variations:

  1. Spicy Twist: If you love extra heat, amp up the spice level by adding more jalapeno peppers or incorporating a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the peach glaze for an extra kick.
  2. Grilled Option: Take advantage of outdoor grilling season by grilling the chicken thighs instead of pan-frying them. Brush the chicken with the peach glaze while grilling to infuse it with flavor.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the peach glaze before cooking for maximum flavor.
  4. Fruit Substitutions: Experiment with different fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, or apricots in place of peaches for a unique flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness level of the glaze accordingly to balance the flavors.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: Ensure this dish is gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce in the peach glaze, and double-checking that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  6. Herb Infusion: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating chopped herbs like basil, mint, or thyme into the peach glaze or sprinkling them over the finished dish before serving.
  7. Nutty Crunch: Enhance the texture of the dish by sprinkling chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or cashews over the chicken and peach glaze before serving. The added crunch will provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and soft peaches.
  8. Asian Fusion: Give this recipe an Asian-inspired twist by substituting the Dijon mustard with miso paste and adding a splash of rice vinegar to the peach glaze. Serve the dish with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal with a fusion flair.

Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With these variations, you can enjoy Jalapeno Peach Chicken in new and exciting ways every time you make it!

 

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh or frozen peaches for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen peaches for this recipe. If using frozen peaches, allow them to thaw before cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are thoroughly heated.
  2. How spicy is the Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
    • The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. The recipe includes one medium jalapeno pepper, which provides a moderate level of heat. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeno before slicing. Conversely, for a spicier dish, leave the seeds and membrane intact or add additional jalapeno slices.
  3. Can I make the peach glaze ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the peach glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the glaze gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using it in the recipe.
  4. What can I serve with Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
    • This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Choose your favorite accompaniments to create a complete and satisfying meal.
  5. Is Jalapeno Peach Chicken suitable for meal prep?
    • Yes, Jalapeno Peach Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for easy meal prep. Simply divide the cooked chicken and peach glaze into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
  6. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
    • Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Brush the chicken with the peach glaze while grilling to infuse it with flavor. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
  7. How can I make Jalapeno Peach Chicken gluten-free?
    • To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce in the peach glaze, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This simple substitution ensures that everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish.

 

In just over half an hour, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with the spicy kick of jalapenos. This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dinner game and impress your family and friends. So, why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up this flavorful masterpiece tonight!