Introduction

This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe is a vibrant combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken cubes are marinated, cooked, and simmered in a luscious peach and jalapeno sauce that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup water (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add diced peaches and minced jalapenos to the saucepan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Pour in apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Add grated ginger and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Step 8: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add remaining olive oil.
Step 9: Add marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 10: Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 11: Pour the jalapeno peach sauce into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 12: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat chicken evenly.
Step 13: Let chicken simmer in sauce for a few minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 14: Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the number of jalapenos or omit the cayenne pepper for milder heat.
Peach preserves can substitute fresh peaches in a pinch, but fresh fruit adds the best flavor and texture.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
Add bell peppers or snap peas to the sauce for more vegetable variety.
For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the chicken just before serving to maintain tenderness.

What if I don’t have fresh peaches?

Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but you can use peach preserves or canned peaches drained well. Adjust the cooking time as canned peaches are softer and cook faster.

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

Jalapeno Peach Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces marinated with smoky spices and cooked in a vibrant sauce made from fresh peaches, jalapenos, and savory seasonings. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that make for a satisfying and colorful meal, ideal served over rice or quinoa and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jalapeno Peach Sauce

2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup water (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)

To Serve

Cooked rice or quinoa
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
Prepare the Jalapeno Peach Sauce: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Peaches and Jalapenos: Mix in diced peaches and minced jalapenos. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and release their juices, creating a natural sweetness and spice base for the sauce.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Add grated ginger and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper if needed. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside the jalapeno peach sauce.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary.
Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside.
Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared jalapeno peach sauce into the same skillet over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce.
Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. Remove skillet from heat once ready.
Serve: Spoon the jalapeno peach chicken hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.

Notes

For a spicier dish, keep the jalapeno seeds and increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
If peaches are out of season, canned or frozen peaches can be used, but fresh peaches provide the best flavor.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of honey to suit your taste.
To make gluten-free, ensure soy sauce is tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Keywords: jalapeno peach chicken, spicy chicken recipe, peach chicken stir fry, sweet and spicy chicken, easy chicken dinner