Jalapeno Peach Chicken Thighs

Featured in Master the Art of Main Course Creation.

First chicken thighs are seasoned and crisped up in a skillet. Next, fresh peaches and jalapenos are tossed in, and everything simmers in a peachy sauce till the fruit softens a bit. Sweet peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and a smack of mustard create layers of flavor—sweet, tart, and a little spicy. Once the glaze thickens, spoon it all over the chicken, so every bite is extra sticky and bold. Hot, savory, and sweet—grab a fork and dig in while it’s still nice and warm.

Rana
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 15:42:47 GMT
Jalapeno Peach Chicken Pin it
Jalapeno Peach Chicken | flavorsenthusiasts.com

I love turning chicken thighs into something special with this jalapeno peach combo. Sweet peaches, spicy jalapenos, and a sticky sauce all come together for bright flavor and a little punch. It’s that cozy kind of food that still has a summery vibe—even when it’s freezing outside.

I first whipped this up at the end of summer trying to use up my jalapeno stash from the garden. Since then, I make extra sauce to drizzle over grilled veggies or throw on rice bowls through the whole season.

Essential Ingredients

  • Jalapeno pepper: packs in some heat. Go for one that's full, shiny, and green if you can.
  • Chili powder: gives your meal warmth and deep color. Smell it—if it’s still strong, it’s good to use.
  • Boneless chicken thighs: juicy and quick to cook. Choose ones that aren't too thick in spots for even cooking.
  • Black pepper & red pepper flakes: for extra kick. I love the bold taste of coarsely ground black pepper here.
  • Kosher salt: ties the sweet and spicy together. Taste near the end and add more if needed.
  • Garlic: amps everything up. Freshly chopped is always best.
  • Dijon mustard: adds depth and a nice little bite. Crack open a new jar for max flavor.
  • Apple cider vinegar: adds tang. If you can, use a raw, unfiltered one for a subtle sweet edge.
  • Soy sauce: brings in savory taste. Low-sodium works if you’re watching your salt.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: for richness, so use a fresh bottle for great taste.
  • Peach preserves: thickens the sauce and adds more jammy peach goodness. Pick one where peaches are first on the list.
  • Yellow peaches: add juicy, sweet pops and balance the heat. Go for slightly soft and fragrant ones if you can.

Simple Steps

Serve It Up:
Move everything to a platter or just scoop right from the pan. Pour extra sauce on top and dig in warm—try it with fluffy rice or charred corn on the side.
Bring Chicken Back:
Snuggle the browned thighs back into the peachy skillet. Spoon peach, jalapeno, and more glaze over each piece. Let it heat through for another minute or two until bubbling hot.
Mix and Glaze:
Pour the glaze over everything in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the jalapenos and peaches with the sticky sauce. Let flavors come together for just one or two more minutes.
Sauté Jalapenos and Peaches:
Turn heat back up to medium. Add sliced jalapenos to the pan first, stir regularly, and let them soften for about three minutes. Next, add the peach slices and cook both together a few more minutes until juicy and soft.
Brown Your Chicken:
Get oil hot in a large skillet over medium. When it starts shimmering, lay in the chicken pieces flat-side down. Leave them alone for about five minutes for a deep golden crust. Flip, drop the heat to medium low, and cook five more minutes, or until a thermometer says 165 at the thickest part. Set the cooked chicken aside and keep warm.
Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels so there's no moisture left. In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this all over the chicken for lots of flavor in every bite.
Whip Up the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and both peppers until it's totally mixed and smooth. Let it sit so the flavors blend.
A pan showing chicken, peaches, and jalapenos together. Pin it
A pan showing chicken, peaches, and jalapenos together. | flavorsenthusiasts.com

I love how the glaze gets all caramelized on the chicken, turning it sticky and sweet. In my house, everyone argues over the pieces loaded with jalapenos and peaches—one night my little brother even grabbed a spoon to scrape every last drop from the pan.

Leftover Tips

Leftovers last in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to three days. Warm them up gently on the stove to keep the chicken tender. To freeze, let everything cool off and pop in airtight containers for up to two months.

Swap Ideas

If peaches aren't around, try nectarines or plums instead. You can sub chicken breasts for thighs—just watch, they cook quicker and dry out if left too long. For less spice, pull out all the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos, or swap in poblano peppers for a softer taste.

Bowl stacked high with chicken, peaches, and jalapeno. Pin it
Bowl stacked high with chicken, peaches, and jalapeno. | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Best Ways to Serve

I love this sweet and spicy chicken with simple goodies like steamed jasmine or basmati rice, grilled summer squash, or buttery corn on the cob. Want a treat? Use the extra peach sauce to dip crusty bread or spoon it on roasted potatoes.

How It Got Here

Mixing fruit with savory is a classic move in Southern kitchens, especially during peach season—a big deal down there. Back in the day, peaches and chiles would ripen at the same time, so you’d see dishes like this popping up for big family meals and get-togethers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is jalapeno peach chicken thighs?

The kick is pretty mild—fresh jalapenos and a touch of chili flakes add some heat, but not a ton. Skip seeds or use less jalapeno to turn down the fire.

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Thighs stay nice and juicy, but breasts or drumsticks work too. Just cook them longer and double-check they reach 165°F inside so they're safe and still moist.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

Spoon it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. Toss on some grilled veggies or a bright salad for balance.

→ Can I substitute canned or frozen peaches?

Fresh always tastes best but canned or frozen peaches (well drained!) will do if you’re in a pinch. Just go easy on extra sugar—they can be sweeter.

→ Is this dish meal-prep friendly?

Totally, just stash leftovers in a tight container in the fridge for a few days. Reheat gently so the chicken stays juicy—not dry.

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Thighs

Crispy chicken thighs draped in a zippy peach-jalapeno sauce for a flavorful, fruity main dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
16 Minutes
Total Time
31 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Peaches

01 2 ripe yellow peaches, sliced and pitted

→ Peach Glaze

02 160 g of peach jam
03 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
04 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
05 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
06 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
07 0.5 teaspoon minced garlic
08 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes
09 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
10 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Chicken

11 900 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
12 1 teaspoon kosher salt
13 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
14 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
15 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 1 fresh jalapeno, thin rounds

Instructions

Step 01

Stir peach jam, olive oil, soy sauce, cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and pepper flakes in a bowl till everything comes together. Leave it aside for now.

Step 02

Grab a small bowl and combine chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the blend all over chicken. Pat it in so it sticks.

Step 03

Pour oil into a big nonstick skillet and heat it over medium. Lay chicken in once the pan's warm. Sear for 5 minutes. Flip thighs, then turn heat down and cook for another five. When the thermometer shows 74°C inside, move chicken out and tent it to keep juicy.

Step 04

Crank heat up to medium. Toss jalapeno into the skillet. Sauté for about three minutes. Pop in the peach slices and let them go till soft, about three more minutes.

Step 05

Dump the glaze mixture right in with the jalapenos and peaches. Give things a gentle stir so the sauce coats everything well.

Step 06

Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they're snug with the fruit. Spoon glaze on top. Let it all bubble for another minute or two, just to get the chicken hot and covered in glaze.

Step 07

Dish up right away while hot. Each plate should have a good scoop of sweet peaches and zesty jalapeno on top.

Notes

  1. Let the chicken sit after browning to lock in moisture. Add or skip jalapeno if you like more or less heat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big nonstick skillet
  • A few mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 412
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~