Jalapeño Peach Chicken (Sweet, Spicy, Sticky & Irresistible)
If you’re searching for a dinner that perfectly balances sweet summer fruit and bold savory heat, this Jalapeño Peach Chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a glossy peach glaze, brightened with fresh jalapeños, and finished with juicy peach slices create a crave-worthy dish that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
This Jalapeño Peach Chicken combines the sweetness of ripe peaches, the gentle spice of jalapeños, and the richness of seared chicken into one sticky, flavorful skillet dinner. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, backyard dinners, or seasonal gatherings.
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Whether you’re cooking during peach season or simply want something different from your usual chicken recipes, this dish delivers big flavor with very little effort.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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Why Jalapeño Peach Chicken works so well flavor-wise
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Step-by-step cooking instructions
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Ingredient swaps and variations
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Pro cooking tips
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Serving ideas
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Storage and meal prep advice
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Nutrition information
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And everything you need to master this sweet and spicy favorite
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Peach Chicken
There are countless chicken recipes out there, but Jalapeño Peach Chicken stands out because it hits every single flavor note your palate craves.
Sweet + Savory + Spicy = Perfect Balance
This dish works because it layers flavors:
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Sweet peaches and preserves
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Savory soy sauce and mustard
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Tangy apple cider vinegar
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Spicy jalapeños and red pepper flakes
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Rich, juicy chicken thighs
Every bite delivers contrast and harmony at the same time.
Quick One-Pan Meal
Another reason Jalapeño Peach Chicken is so popular? It’s made in one skillet. That means:
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Less cleanup
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Faster cooking
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Easy weeknight prep
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Minimal fuss
From start to finish, dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Seasonal and Fresh
When peaches are in season, this recipe shines. Fresh peaches caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness you just can’t replicate with sugar alone.
What Is Jalapeño Peach Chicken?
At its core, Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a skillet chicken dish coated in a peach-based glaze with sliced jalapeños for heat. Think of it as a sweet-and-spicy glaze similar to barbecue sauce but lighter, fruitier, and fresher.
Instead of heavy cream or butter sauces, this recipe relies on:
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Fruit preserves
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Fresh produce
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Simple pantry staples
It’s bright, colorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Peach Glaze
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1/2 cup peach preserves
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chicken
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced
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2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions for Jalapeño Peach Chicken
1. Make the glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps create a beautiful sear.
Mix salt, pepper, and chili powder, then rub evenly over the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes without moving to create a golden crust.
Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
4. Cook the peaches and jalapeños
In the same skillet, return heat to medium.
Add jalapeños and cook for 3 minutes to release their flavor.
Add sliced peaches and cook 3 more minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
5. Add glaze
Pour the peach glaze into the skillet. Stir until peaches and jalapeños are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish
Return chicken to the pan. Spoon glaze over the top and cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Jalapeño Peach Chicken.
Why Chicken Thighs Work Best
While you can use chicken breasts, thighs are ideal for Jalapeño Peach Chicken.
They:
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Stay juicy
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Don’t dry out easily
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Absorb glaze better
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Have richer flavor
If you prefer breasts, cook carefully to avoid overcooking.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
Understanding what makes Jalapeño Peach Chicken so addictive helps you appreciate every ingredient.
Sweet
Peach preserves + fresh peaches
Heat
Jalapeños + red pepper flakes + chili powder
Tang
Apple cider vinegar + Dijon mustard
Umami
Soy sauce + seared chicken
The combination keeps the dish exciting and never one-note.
Serving Ideas for Jalapeño Peach Chicken
One of the best things about Jalapeño Peach Chicken is how versatile it is.
Over Rice
White or brown rice soaks up the glaze beautifully.
With Quinoa or Couscous
Adds texture and extra protein.
In Tacos
Slice the chicken and stuff into warm tortillas.
On Salads
Top greens with sliced chicken and extra peaches.
With Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, corn, and bell peppers pair perfectly.
Sandwich Style
Serve inside toasted brioche buns with slaw.
Pro Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Use ripe peaches
Firm but slightly soft peaches give the best sweetness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
Adjust spice level
Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat.
Let the glaze thicken
Simmering naturally thickens the sauce.
Rest the chicken
Resting keeps juices inside the meat.
Variations to Try
Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken
Marinate and grill instead of pan-searing.
Baked Version
Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Slow Cooker
Cook 4–5 hours on low with glaze.
Extra Spicy
Add serranos or hot sauce.
Honey Peach
Add 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness.
Paleo/Whole30
Use sugar-free preserves or fresh peach puree.
Meal Prep & Storage
Jalapeño Peach Chicken stores beautifully.
Fridge
Up to 4 days in airtight container
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Reheat
Skillet or microwave with splash of water
The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers amazing.
PrintJalapeño Peach Chicken (Sweet, Spicy, Sticky & Irresistible)
If you love sweet and spicy flavors together, this Jalapeño Peach Chicken is the perfect dish. Juicy peaches add natural sweetness, jalapeños bring a gentle heat, and tender chicken thighs soak up a sticky, savory glaze. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests — especially during peach season.
Ingredients
Peach Glaze
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1/2 cup peach preserves
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chicken
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced
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2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Mix salt, pepper, and chili powder, then rub evenly over the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
In the same skillet, return heat to medium.
Add jalapeños and cook for 3 minutes.
Add sliced peaches and cook 3 more minutes until softened.
Pour the peach glaze into the skillet. Stir until peaches and jalapeños are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to the pan. Spoon glaze over the top and cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve warm.
Notes
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Use ripe peaches for the best sweetness and texture.
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Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat; keep them for extra spice.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook chicken in batches if needed.
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Let the glaze simmer briefly to thicken naturally.
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Leftovers taste great the next day for meal prep.
Nutrition (approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
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Calories: 340
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 14g
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Fat: 18g
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Sodium: 480mg
When to Make Jalapeño Peach Chicken
This dish is perfect for:
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Summer dinners
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Peach season
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Family weeknights
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Potlucks
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Cookouts
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Date nights
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Meal prep
It feels fancy but is incredibly easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, thaw and drain first.
Can I use chicken breast?
Absolutely, just watch cooking time.
Is Jalapeño Peach Chicken very spicy?
No, it’s mild to medium. Adjust jalapeños to taste.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, flavors improve the next day.
Can I double the glaze?
Definitely — extra sauce is always welcome.
Why This Recipe Is SEO-Friendly and Popular
People love searching for Jalapeño Peach Chicken because it fits multiple trends:
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Sweet and spicy recipes
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Skillet meals
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Seasonal cooking
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Healthy chicken dinners
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30-minute meals
It checks every box for modern home cooks.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Jalapeño Peach Chicken, now is the time. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The juicy peaches bring sunshine sweetness, the jalapeños add excitement, and the sticky glaze ties everything together into one unforgettable bite.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels comforting yet fresh, easy yet impressive, familiar yet unique. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or hosting friends for a relaxed summer dinner, Jalapeño Peach Chicken always delivers.