Spicy Peach Pecan Chicken

Featured in: Retro American Dishes

This dish combines juicy peaches and crunchy pecans in a zesty, fresh salsa that perfectly complements seasoned, oven-baked chicken breasts. The smoky paprika and cumin provide depth, while lime juice and honey add balance. Quick to prepare and gluten-free, it’s an ideal main course for warm weather or gatherings. Serve with cilantro rice or grilled corn to enhance the vibrant flavors.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:09:00 GMT
Juicy Spicy Peach & Pecan Salsa Chicken topped with vibrant salsa and pecans. Save It
Juicy Spicy Peach & Pecan Salsa Chicken topped with vibrant salsa and pecans. | zetluna.com

A vibrant, sweet-and-spicy chicken dish featuring juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and a zesty salsa—a perfect summer main course.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household for warm-weather dinners.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Peach & Pecan Salsa: 2 ripe peaches diced, 1 medium tomato seeded and diced, ¼ cup red onion finely chopped, ½ jalapeño seeded and minced, ⅓ cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, juice of 1 lime, ½ teaspoon honey, ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Step 2:
Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper Rub mixture evenly over chicken breasts
Step 3:
Place chicken on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Step 4:
Prepare salsa by combining peaches, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, pecans, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and salt Mix gently
Step 5:
Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes Slice and serve topped generously with peach & pecan salsa
Save It
| zetluna.com

My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this flavorful dish during summer evenings

Notes

For extra heat leave jalapeño seeds in or add hot sauce Substitute nectarines for peaches Pairs well with cilantro rice or grilled corn Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 3 minutes until fragrant

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowls Chefs knife Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 340 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 17 g Protein 37 g

Baked Spicy Peach & Pecan Salsa Chicken garnished with fresh peach salsa, perfect for summer. Save It
Baked Spicy Peach & Pecan Salsa Chicken garnished with fresh peach salsa, perfect for summer. | zetluna.com

This dish combines fresh ingredients with simple techniques for a delicious result you can enjoy all summer

Common Questions About Recipes

How do I achieve the best flavor in this chicken dish?

Rub the chicken evenly with the spice mix and allow it to rest briefly before baking to let the flavors penetrate. Baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F ensures juiciness.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the salsa?

Yes, nectarines can replace peaches for a similar sweetness. Adjust the jalapeño amount to control the heat level in the salsa.

How should I toast the pecans for optimal crunch?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking frequently until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before chopping.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this meal uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always verify labels to avoid hidden gluten or cross-contamination.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken preparation?

Cilantro rice or grilled corn are excellent accompaniments, complementing the salsa’s bright flavors and adding texture to the meal.

Spicy Peach Pecan Chicken

Tender chicken topped with a spicy peach and pecan salsa for a flavorful summer meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Retro American Dishes

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Lactose-Free, Free of Gluten

The Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
05 ½ teaspoon salt
06 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Peach & Pecan Salsa

01 2 ripe peaches, diced
02 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
03 ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
04 ½ jalapeño, seeded and minced
05 ⅓ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
06 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 ½ teaspoon honey
09 ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Season Chicken: Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 03

Bake Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 04

Prepare Salsa: While the chicken cooks, combine diced peaches, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, toasted pecans, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently to combine.

Step 05

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with a generous topping of the peach and pecan salsa.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 340
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Proteins: 37 grams