This Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken is a tasty blend of sweet and heat! Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the fruity peach and zesty jalapenos for a fun twist on dinner.
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything together and let it cook! If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with rice to soak up the sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe for their rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time for breast meat to avoid drying it out.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos bring the heat! If you like it milder, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. For a different flavor, try using serrano peppers or even green bell peppers if you want to skip the spice altogether.
Peaches: Fresh peaches add sweetness, but frozen work fine too! In a pinch, you could substitute with canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) but reduce the cooking time to maintain their texture.
Honey/Maple Syrup: I prefer honey for its rich flavor, but you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a different twist. If you need it to be sugar-free, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia in moderation.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that crispy skin on your chicken thighs is key! Here’s how: Start with dry chicken—patting it down with paper towels helps. The hot skillet is your friend; cooking the chicken skin-side down without moving it is essential. This lets the skin render fat and turn golden brown.
- Heat the skillet well before adding the chicken.
- Cook the skin side for about 5-7 minutes before flipping.
- Don’t rush—let it brown thoroughly!
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with deliciously crispy skin that pairs beautifully with the soft peaches and spicy jalapenos! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 fresh jalapenos, sliced (adjust for preferred spice level)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or frozen, if fresh unavailable)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick recipe that brings a fantastic balance of sweet and spicy to your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This will enhance the flavor and help achieve that crispy skin!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook them without moving for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Onions and Jalapenos:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. Then, add minced garlic and jalapenos, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Peaches and Sauces:
Stir in the sliced peaches and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, so they soften a little. Next, pour in the chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Use a spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan, giving the sauce more depth of flavor!
5. Return the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Nestle them among the peaches and jalapenos. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Check and Serve:
After 15-20 minutes, check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly. Give the sauce a taste, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat if desired.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your spicy jalapeno peach chicken with fresh thyme leaves before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes simmering instead of 15-20 minutes to ensure they don’t dry out. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No problem! You can use frozen peaches or canned peaches that are packed in juice. If using canned, drain them and add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
How Spicy Is This Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference! Using fewer jalapenos or removing the seeds will reduce the heat. If you love spice, consider adding extra jalapenos or red pepper flakes to amp it up!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
