Jalapeno Peach Chicken Thighs

Jalapeno Peach Chicken is my favorite way to turn simple chicken thighs into a dinner everyone gets excited about Sweet peaches, spicy jalapenos, and a sticky glaze come together so every bite is bursting with bright flavor and a little heat. It is comfort food with a kick and a main dish that feels like summer even in the middle of winter

The first time I made this was during late summer when my garden had more jalapenos than I knew what to do with Now I make extra glaze to drizzle on grilled veggies and rice bowls all season

Ingredients

• Yellow peaches: bring a juicy sweet bite and pair perfectly with spicy jalapenos Choose peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and smell fragrant
• Peach preserves: deliver body and an extra punch of peach flavor Look for one with peaches listed first on the ingredient list
• Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness so choose a fresh bottle for best taste
• Soy sauce: adds just the right amount of savory umami Pick a low sodium version if you want to control salt
• Apple cider vinegar: brings balancing acidity Use raw unfiltered if you want a touch of natural sweetness
• Dijon mustard: gives the glaze depth and gentle spice Use a fresh jar instead of old mustard for brightest flavor
• Garlic: gives the whole dish an aromatic kick Freshly minced always beats jarred
• Kosher salt: helps balance all the sweet and spicy notes Always taste and adjust salt toward the end
• Black pepper and red pepper flakes: dial up the warmth I like coarsely ground black pepper
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: are juicy and cook up quickly Choose ones that are uniform in thickness
• Chili powder: adds gentle heat and color Use a good-quality spice that still smells punchy when you open the jar
• Jalapeno pepper: delivers a clean heat Try to pick a vibrant green jalapeno without blemishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Peach Glaze:

Whisk peach preserves olive oil soy sauce apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard garlic salt black pepper and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until the glaze is smooth and well combined Set aside so flavors meld

Prep and Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels until completely moisture-free Mix together salt black pepper and chili powder in a small bowl Rub all sides of the chicken with this seasoning mixture so every bite is flavorful

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat When oil shimmers and moves easily add the chicken thighs in a single layer Sear them without moving for about five minutes until a golden crust forms Flip each thigh carefully with tongs reduce heat to medium-low and cook another five minutes or until the thickest part registers 165 degrees on a thermometer Remove chicken and cover to keep warm

Sauté Jalapenos and Peaches:

Raise heat back up to medium Add sliced jalapeno to the same pan and stir around often Cook for three minutes so they soften and mellow their heat Add sliced peaches over the jalapenos and sauté together another three minutes until the peaches are soft and release juices

Glaze Everything:

Pour the peach glaze into the skillet Stir gently so every jalapeno and peach is slicked with sticky sauce Warm this through for a minute or two to blend all the flavors

Finish the Chicken:

Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet Spoon peaches jalapenos and extra glaze over the top Let cook another minute or two until everything is piping hot and glistening

Serve:

Transfer to a platter or serve straight from the skillet Drizzle with any extra glaze from the pan Serve warm with sides like fluffy rice or grilled corn

Pin it

One of my favorite parts is how the glaze caramelizes over the chicken giving it a sticky crust My family always fights over the juiciest bits with the most peaches and jalapenos and once my little brother even scraped the pan to get every drop

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken If you want to freeze let cool fully and package in airtight containers for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out peaches for nectarines or even plums if peaches are out of season Chicken breasts work in place of thighs but keep an eye on cooking time since they dry out faster If you want a milder dish remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeno or sub in poblano for a gentle heat

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and spicy chicken shines with simple sides like steamed jasmine or basmati rice grilled zucchini or buttered corn on the cob For an extra treat use extra peach glaze as a dip for crusty bread or spooned over roasted potatoes

Cultural and Historical Context

Adding fruit to savory dishes is common in southern cooking and summer peach season is something southerners look forward to all year Long ago peaches and peppers would both be in abundance at the same time making this a practical celebration dinner that shows off what is in season

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is jalapeno peach chicken thighs?

The heat is moderate, thanks to fresh jalapeno slices and a little red pepper flake. You can adjust the spice by using more or fewer jalapenos, or removing seeds for a milder result.

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Boneless skinless thighs work best for tenderness and flavor, but you can use breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust cooking time so they stay juicy and reach 165°F internally.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

This is great with white rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes to soak up the peach glaze. Crisp greens or grilled vegetables add freshness.

→ Can I substitute canned or frozen peaches?

Fresh peaches provide the best texture and taste, but drained canned or thawed frozen peaches can work in the off-season. Just watch for added syrups and adjust sweetness.

→ Is this dish meal-prep friendly?

Yes, the chicken and glaze reheat well. Store in an airtight container for up to three days and warm gently before serving to preserve juiciness.