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Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper if needed. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside the jalapeno peach sauce.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/jalapeno-peach-chicken-recipe/