Sweet Spicy Glazed Chicken

This juicy jalapeño peach chicken combines succulent thighs with a sweet-spicy glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into a memorable summer meal. The contrast between sweet ripe peaches and spicy jalapeños creates a perfect balance that makes this dish irresistible for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

I first created this recipe during a summer when my peach tree produced more fruit than we could eat fresh. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested whenever peaches are in season, with my family hovering in the kitchen to sneak bits of the glazed chicken.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs provide juicy tender results that stay moist even with longer cooking
• Ripe yellow peaches bring natural sweetness and summer flavor
• Fresh jalapeño peppers add customizable heat that brightens the dish
• Peach preserves create a glossy glaze while intensifying the peach flavor
• Apple cider vinegar balances sweetness with necessary acidity
• Dijon mustard adds complexity and helps emulsify the glaze
• Soy sauce introduces umami depth that makes the flavor profile more interesting
• Chili powder in the chicken rub complements the jalapeño heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Glaze

Combine peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. This glaze is the flavor foundation of the dish, so take time to taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Mix the salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl, then use your hands to thoroughly coat both sides of each thigh. The dry rub creates a flavorful crust that will seal in juices during cooking.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and reduce heat to prevent burning. Cook another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Sauté the Jalapeños and Peaches

Using the same skillet with all the flavorful chicken bits, add the jalapeño slices and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the peach slices and continue cooking for 3 more minutes. The fruit will release juices that deglaze the pan, incorporating all the caramelized chicken flavor into the fruit mixture.

Add Glaze and Finish

Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet with the fruit and jalapeños, stirring to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the sauce. Spoon the glaze generously over each piece of chicken. Allow everything to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and thickens slightly, coating the chicken with a glossy finish.

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The peach preserves are truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power while experimenting with pantry ingredients during a rainstorm when I couldn't get to the store. My family now jokes that bad weather leads to the best cooking innovations in our house.

Storage and Reheating

This jalapeño peach chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the chicken absorbs more of the glaze. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan and warm gently over medium-low heat until just heated through. Avoid high heat which can toughen the chicken. For meal prep, portion with rice or your favorite grain for quick lunches.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dont worry if you dont have every ingredient on hand. Apricot or even mango preserves work beautifully in place of peach preserves. Boneless chicken breasts can substitute for thighs, though you'll need to adjust cooking time to prevent drying. For a spice adjustment, poblano peppers offer a milder heat than jalapeños, while serrano peppers amp up the spice level. Honey can replace preserves with a slight reduction in liquid ingredients for proper consistency.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile chicken dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Fluffy jasmine or coconut rice soaks up the delicious glaze perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette. Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus complement the sweet-spicy profile without competing with the main flavors. For a complete summer meal, serve with corn on the cob brushed with chile-lime butter.

Heat Level Customization

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different spice preferences. For a milder version that children or spice-sensitive guests will enjoy, remove all jalapeño seeds and membrane before slicing, and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For heat lovers, leave some seeds in the jalapeños and increase the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon. Always taste your jalapeños before adding them as their heat level can vary significantly depending on growing conditions.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust cooking time. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. Cook them for approximately 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Consider pounding them to even thickness first for more consistent cooking.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild to medium heat level as prepared. The jalapeños and red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick that balances the sweetness of the peaches. You can easily adjust the spice level by removing the seeds from the jalapeño (for less heat) or adding more red pepper flakes (for more heat).

→ Can I make this with canned or frozen peaches?

Yes, both canned and frozen peaches work well when fresh aren't available. For canned peaches, drain them well before using. For frozen peaches, thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture. The cooking time might need to be reduced slightly since they're already soft.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with white or brown rice, couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze. For vegetables, consider roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or sautéed green beans to complement the sweet-spicy flavor profile.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peach glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be seasoned up to 24 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Fresh peaches and jalapeños should be sliced shortly before cooking for best results.

→ Is there a way to make this dish without soy sauce?

For a soy-free version, substitute coconut aminos or tamari (if avoiding gluten is the concern). You could also use Worcestershire sauce or a bit of fish sauce, though these will alter the flavor profile slightly. A splash of balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt can also work in a pinch.