Craving a chicken dish with a kick? Look no further! This spicy peach-glazed jalapeño chicken recipe delivers a delicious fusion of sweet and heat. Picture juicy chicken thighs, coated in a vibrant peach glaze infused with the fiery bite of jalapeños. Sounds amazing, right? It is!
What is Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken?
Ever wondered how a dish ends up with such a flamboyant name? Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken – it just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? Was it a stroke of genius? A happy accident in the kitchen? Maybe the cook was just feeling extra that day and decided to throw everything wonderful into one skillet!
We may never know the true origin story. But the fact remains, this combination of sweet peaches, spicy jalapeños, and succulent chicken is a taste bud party you won’t want to miss. They say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but this recipe might just win over everyone in the family. So, are you ready to add a little zing to your dinner table? Give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken:
This recipe is a total game-changer! The star of the show is undoubtedly the sweet and spicy glaze. The peaches offer a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements from the fiery kick of the jalapeños. Plus, making it at home is incredibly budget-friendly compared to ordering takeout.
You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful meal without breaking the bank. Top it all off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor. Love spicy chicken? You might also enjoy our Fiery Korean Fried Chicken recipe! Try this Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken and see for yourself!
Key Ingredients for Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavour explosion:
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless (chicken breasts can also be used, but thighs are recommended for moistness)
- Peaches: 2 medium, peeled and diced (canned peaches in syrup, drained, are an acceptable substitute)
- Jalapeños: 2, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, low sodium
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional)
- Lime Wedges: For serving (optional)
How to Make Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken:
This dish is surprisingly simple! Get ready for a flavour journey that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious and impressive meal in no time. The combination of the sweet and spicy glaze with the protein of the chicken, creates a balanced and mouthwatering dish that will become a family favorite. Prepare for deliciousness in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Get your cutting board and knives ready.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Peach-Jalapeño Glaze: Add the diced peaches and minced jalapeños to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the peaches soften slightly.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the peach-jalapeño glaze. Spoon the glaze over the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking and glazing.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using) and serve with lime wedges (if desired).
What to Serve Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken With:
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious glaze.
- Quinoa: For a healthier, protein-packed side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be excellent choices.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Noodles: Either lo mein or udon noodles tossed in stir fry sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken:
- The heat of the jalapeños can vary. Taste a small piece before adding it to the glaze and adjust the amount to your liking.
- If you don’t have fresh peaches, canned peaches in syrup work well. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the skillet.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer it for a few extra minutes without the chicken in the skillet.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers or onions, along with the peaches and jalapeños.
- You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Leftover Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or skillet.
- Microwave: Place the chicken and glaze in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and glaze in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and glaze and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adding a tablespoon of water aids in keeping the chicken moist.
Freezing: While freezing is not recommended as it affects the glaze’s consistency, if you must freeze it, store the cooked chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating following the above instructions. Note that the texture of the glaze may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Peach-Glazed Jalapeño Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you will want to make again and again.
Give it a try, and let us know what you think! Your feedback is invaluable for our next flavor adventure. We’re eager to hear how much you loved it!
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily than chicken thighs. To prevent this, cook the chicken breast until just cooked through and make sure to coat it well with the glaze. - How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on the jalapeños you use and your preference. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños to your liking. Removing the seeds and membranes will also reduce the heat. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and add the glaze. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple would be great additions to this dish. - What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest