Jalapeno Peach Chicken is literally my new fav thing to make when friends come over! I’ve been testing this recipe for weeks now and the combo of sweet juicy peaches with spicy jalapenos on tender chicken is totally addictive. The sauce gets all sticky and caramelized on the chicken and you won’t believe how amazing your kitchen smells while it’s cooking. Trust me you need to keep reading cuz this might become your new go-to dinner.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Ever tried making glazed chicken and ended up with dry meat or a sauce that just won’t stick? Been there! This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe solves all those problems with a foolproof method that works every time.
I first made this Jalapeno Peach Chicken for my sister’s birthday dinner last summer when peaches were super ripe. She’s usually pretty picky about food but ended up asking for the recipe before dessert was even served! That’s when I knew I had a winner.
The best part? You can adjust the heat level by keeping or removing the jalapeno seeds. Got kids? Just tone down the spice. Want something that’ll make you sweat? Keep all those seeds in! Plus it works with chicken breasts thighs or even drumsticks depending what you’ve got in the freezer.
Now let’s get into the good stuff!
What You’ll Need for This Amazing Jalapeno Peach Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (thighs stay juicier than breasts but you can totes use breasts if that’s what you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (nothing fancy just reg cooking oil works)
- Salt and pepper (be generous here it makes a difference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh garlic burns in this recipe so powder works better)
For the Jalapeno Peach Sauce:
- 3 ripe peaches (fresh is best but frozen works when peaches aren’t in season)
- 2-3 jalapenos (depending how spicy you want your Jalapeno Peach Chicken)
- 1/4 cup honey (maple syrup works too if you’re out of honey)
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (adds that perfect tang to balance the sweet)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (must use fresh here not powder)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari if you need GF option)
- 1 tsp ginger grated (ground works but fresh is wayyy better)
- 1 lime juiced (don’t skip this it brightens everything up)
The peaches are obvs super important for this Jalapeno Peach Chicken. If you can’t find ripe ones try checking the frozen section. The natural sweetness makes all the difference and you don’t wanna use canned peaches cuz they’re too syrupy.
As for jalapenos if you’re scared of heat remove ALL the seeds and membranes. That’s where most of the spice hides. On the flip side if you’re a heat lover keep em all in!
How to Make Perfect Jalapeno Peach Chicken Every Time
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels (super important for getting good color)
- Season both sides with salt pepper and garlic powder
- Let sit for 15 mins while you make the sauce (this helps seasoning stick better)
Step 2: Make that Amazing Jalapeno Peach Sauce
- Dice peaches into small chunks no need to peel
- Finely chop jalapenos remove seeds if you want milder Jalapeno Peach Chicken
- Mix peaches jalapenos honey vinegar garlic soy sauce ginger and lime juice in bowl
- Mash some peach chunks with fork to release juices but leave some chunks for texture
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over med-high heat
- Add chicken and cook 5-6 mins first side till golden brown (don’t move it around!)
- Flip and cook another 4-5 mins
- Check temp with meat thermo if you have one (165°F is what you want)
- Remove chicken and set aside
Step 4: Finish with the Sauce
- Pour Jalapeno Peach mixture into same pan with chicken drippings
- Cook 3-4 mins until sauce gets bubbly and starts to thicken
- Add chicken back to pan and turn to coat both sides
- Cook another 2-3 mins until sauce is sticky and glazes the chicken
- You’ll know it’s done when sauce coats back of spoon and chicken looks glossy
The sauce might seem thin at first but trust me it thickens up as it cooks. Just be patient and don’t crank the heat too high or the sugars will burn.
Tasty Variations of Jalapeno Peach Chicken to Try
Tropical Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Sub half the peaches with pineapple chunks and add 1/4 cup coconut milk to sauce. Gives major vacation vibes!
Bourbon Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the sauce while it reduces. The alcohol cooks off but leaves amazing flavor.
BBQ Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce to the peach mixture. Perfect for summer grilling!
Mango Jalapeno Chicken
Replace peaches with mangos for a tropical twist on the classic Jalapeno Peach Chicken.
Sheet Pan Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Toss chicken with oil and seasonings arrange on sheet pan with peach and jalapeno chunks. Roast at 425°F for 25 mins then brush with mixed sauce ingredients for last 10 mins.
Your Burning Questions About Jalapeno Peach Chicken Answered!
Can I make Jalapeno Peach Chicken ahead of time?
Totally! Actually the flavor gets even better overnight. Just reheat gently in pan with splash of water so sauce doesn’t burn. Or make sauce ahead and store separately then cook fresh chicken when ready to serve.
How do I store leftover Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in cold so add tiny bit of water when reheating. I like making extra cuz it makes amazing lunch next day!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yep but watch cooking time! Breasts cook faster and dry out easier than thighs. I’d reduce cooking time by 2 mins per side and def use meat thermometer to check doneness.
Is there a way to make this Jalapeno Peach Chicken less spicy?
Easy fix! Just remove ALL seeds and membranes from jalapenos or use just 1 instead of 2-3. You could even sub half the jalapenos with bell pepper for flavor without heat.
What sides go best with Jalapeno Peach Chicken?
My favs are coconut rice cilantro lime rice or simple roasted potatoes. Also amazing with simple salad or roasted veggies. Check out our Chimichurri Chicken Thighs for more side ideas that would work with this too!
Can I grill this Jalapeno Peach Chicken instead?
Absolutely! Grill chicken first then baste with sauce during last few mins. Don’t add sauce too early or sugars will burn. Finish with extra sauce after taking off grill.
What can I use if peaches aren’t in season?
Frozen peaches work great! Just thaw and drain excess liquid. Nectarines or even apricots can work too. In desperate times good quality peach preserves mixed with little water works.
Final Thoughts on This Killer Jalapeno Peach Chicken
This Jalapeno Peach Chicken recipe has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count. My picky teenager even asks for it now which basically never happens!
Last time I made it for a potluck everyone kept asking what was in the sauce. The sweet-spicy combo gets em every time! One friend who “doesn’t do spicy food” couldn’t stop eating it.
Make it your own by adjusting heat or trying diff fruits. Don’t be afraid to play around with it! And if you love this definitely check out our Crispy Chicken Katsu or Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta for more amazing chicken recipes.
Seriously tho this Jalapeno Peach Chicken might just become your new fav weeknight dinner. It’s def become mine!
Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Jalapeno Peach Sauce:
- 3 ripe peaches diced, no need to peel
- 2 –3 jalapenos chopped, seeds removed for less heat
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Let rest for 15 minutes.
Make the Jalapeno Peach Sauce:
- Dice peaches and chop jalapenos.
- In a bowl, combine peaches, jalapenos, honey, vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and lime juice.
- Lightly mash some peach chunks to release juices.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5–6 mins on one side without moving.
- Flip and cook another 4–5 mins until cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Glaze:
- Pour peach mixture into skillet with drippings.
- Simmer 3–4 mins until it thickens.
- Return chicken to pan and turn to coat in sauce.
- Cook 2–3 mins more until sauce glazes chicken.