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Golden brown peach jalapeno chicken thighs cooked in a cast iron skillet with fresh peach slices and herbs.

Spicy & Sweet Jalapeño Peach Glazed Chicken

This vibrant dish combines tender chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze made from fresh peaches and jalapeños. It's a flavorful and surprisingly easy main course that balances fruity sweetness with a kick of heat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Jalapeño Peach Sauce
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 jalapeños deseeded and minced (adjust quantity to desired spice level)
  • 1 cup peaches fresh or canned in light syrup, diced (if canned, drain well)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger grated (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water for slurry
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Jalapeño Peach Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and jalapeños, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the diced peaches, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger (if using). Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the peaches to soften slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken thoroughly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is warmed.
  2. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts, if desired.

Notes

For less spice, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use only half a jalapeño. For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before adding chicken.