Want a dinner recipe that brings restaurant flavor to your weeknight table? Jalapeno Peach Chicken delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. This dish has become my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I had random ingredients staring at me from the fridge. Peaches were at their peak, and I had jalapenos left from taco night. What started as an experiment turned into one of my family’s most requested dinners. The sweetness from the peaches tames the heat from the jalapenos while creating a glossy sauce that clings to perfectly seared chicken. My kids call it “fancy chicken,” and honestly, I love that they think I’m fancy for making it. The best part? It comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Jalapeno Peach Chicken
I always recommend using fresh peaches when they’re in season for the best flavor, but frozen work in a pinch. The key is getting a good sear on that chicken before it goes into the oven. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 jalapenos (seeded and diced) – I recommend wearing gloves when handling these
2 ripe peaches (peeled and diced) – My preference is freestone peaches for easier prep
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch – In my experience, this creates the perfect sauce consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend using a cast iron or oven-safe skillet for this recipe to make the process seamless from stovetop to oven. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t skip this step as it builds the base flavor.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Add diced jalapenos and peaches to the same skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peaches begin to release their juices and soften slightly around the edges.
Step 4: Whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture over the jalapenos and peaches, stirring well. Let it simmer until it starts to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender. Spoon that beautiful sauce over everything.
Perfect Pairings for Jalapeno Peach Chicken
This dish shines brightest when paired with sides that balance its bold flavors.
Cilantro Lime Rice: The fresh citrus notes complement the sweet and spicy sauce while absorbing every drop of that delicious glaze. Try our cilantro lime steak bowls recipe and use just the rice component.
Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions add a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the fruity chicken. Our sheet pan sausage and veggies technique works perfectly here.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds refreshing balance to your plate.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide a comforting base that mellows the heat while soaking up the sauce perfectly. Check out our garlic herb chicken with mashed potatoes for the perfect mashed potato technique.
Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I recommend adding a splash of water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
This dish works wonderfully for meal prep. You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce components ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to eat. It also pairs beautifully with our honey BBQ chicken rice if you’re looking for similar sweet and savory flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely! Remove all the seeds from the jalapenos or use just one pepper instead of two. The peaches provide plenty of flavor on their own.
What if I don’t have fresh peaches?
Frozen peaches work great. You can also substitute canned peaches, just drain them well and reduce the honey slightly since canned peaches are already sweetened.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! After searing, place the chicken on a preheated grill over medium heat. Brush with the sauce and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning once and basting frequently.
Conclusion
This Jalapeno Peach Chicken proves that restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of spicy and sweet creates something truly special that your family will request again and again. Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a new favorite at your dinner table!
Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and baked in a sweet and spicy glaze featuring fresh peaches and jalapenos.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add diced jalapenos and peaches. Cook for 2-3 minutes until peaches begin to release their juices and soften slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Pour the mixture over the jalapenos and peaches in the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer until sauce begins to thicken.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the Jalapeno Peach Chicken hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Notes
For less heat, remove all seeds from jalapenos or use only one pepper. Fresh peaches work best, but frozen or canned (drained) can be substituted. If using canned peaches, reduce honey slightly. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat to 165°F internal temperature.
a recipe developer, food enthusiast, and busy parent based in Denver, CO. I created Yumnights because I believe that delicious, healthy dinners shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to master.
