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Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe

5 from 132 reviews

This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe offers a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Tender chicken breasts marinated in aromatic spices are pan-seared to perfection and simmered in a vibrant peach and jalapeno sauce. Served over rice or quinoa and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish provides a zesty and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely minced
  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

To Serve

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

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to enhance flavor.
  2. Prepare the Jalapeno Peach Sauce – Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Peaches and Jalapenos: Add diced peaches and minced jalapenos to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peaches soften and release their juices.
  4. Add Liquid Ingredients and Spices: Pour in apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Add grated ginger and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Set Aside: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or spices if needed. Remove saucepan from heat and set sauce aside.
  8. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.
  9. Brown and Cook Thoroughly: Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until browned and 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 and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
  11. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce further.
  12. Serve: Serve the jalapeno peach chicken hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges to add freshness and a tangy finish.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, leave some jalapeno seeds in or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Peeling peaches can be easier after blanching them briefly in hot water.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated, then combined with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
  • Test the chicken doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: jalapeno peach chicken, spicy chicken recipe, peach sauce chicken, sautéed chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken