Name: Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups jasmine rice; 3 cups water or chicken stock; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Kosher salt and pepper; 2 limes, zest freshly grated; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; ¾ cup chopped cilantro; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt and pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 peaches, pitted and halved; ¼ cup peach preserves; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 peaches, diced; 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 shallot, diced; ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 to 2 limes, freshly squeezed; Kosher salt and pepper

Alright, folks, get ready to fire up that grill and create some serious magic! This Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken is a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. We’re talking juicy chicken breasts, kissed by the grill, glazed with a sweet peach preserve mixture, and topped with a vibrant jalapeño peach salsa. Served over fluffy cilantro lime rice, it’s the perfect summer meal that’s both easy and utterly delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Symphony: The combination of sweet peaches and spicy jalapeños is a flavor match made in heaven.
Grill Master Delight: Grilling adds a smoky char that elevates the chicken and peaches to new heights.
Easy Weeknight Win: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cilantro Lime Rice

Jasmine Rice: Long grain and aromatic, it’s the perfect base.
Water or Chicken Stock: For cooking the rice. Chicken stock adds extra flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness.
Limes (Zest and Juice): For a bright, citrusy zing. Freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice are a must!
Chopped Cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that grills up beautifully.
Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: For a smoky, savory seasoning.
Peaches (Halved): Grilled for a touch of sweetness and char.
Peach Preserves: For a sweet glaze.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the glaze.

Jalapeño Peach Salsa

Peaches (Diced): Adds sweetness and texture.
Jalapeño Peppers: Seeded and diced for a spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference!
Garlic and Shallot: For savory depth. Minced and diced, please!
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant.
Limes (Freshly Squeezed): For a bright, citrusy finish.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on things? Here are some ideas:

Spice It Up: Add a habanero or serrano pepper to the salsa for extra heat.
Fruit Swap: Use nectarines or mangoes instead of peaches.
Grain Change: Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.
Herb Twist: Add mint or basil to the salsa for a different flavor profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken

Step 1: Make the Cilantro Lime Rice

Rinse the rice. Boil water/stock, add rice, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes. Stir in lime zest, juice, and cilantro.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Peaches

Preheat grill to high. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Halve peaches and season. Whisk peach preserves and vinegar.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Peaches

Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with glaze in the last 2 minutes. Grill peaches 1-2 minutes. Let chicken rest.

Step 4: Make the Jalapeño Peach Salsa

Combine diced peaches, jalapeños, garlic, shallot, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 5: Serve

Slice chicken and serve with salsa and rice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents it from clumping.
Hot Grill: A hot grill ensures a good sear and juicy chicken.
Watch the Glaze: The peach preserve glaze can burn easily, so brush it on in the last few minutes of grilling.
If you are worried about the spice level, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños before dicing them.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect for:

Summer BBQ: A crowd-pleasing main course.
Weeknight Dinner: Quick and easy, yet full of flavor.
Outdoor Picnic: Easy to transport and delicious at room temperature.
Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, salsa, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken, but the salsa and rice are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the microwave or oven. Toss the salsa and rice with a little extra lime juice to freshen them up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will be even juicier. Just adjust grilling time as needed.

2. Can I use dried spices instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs are best, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs.

3. Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The salsa can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge.

4. How can I make this spicier?

Add more jalapeños or use a hotter pepper like habanero.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any summer gathering. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your friends with this delightful dish!

Jaden Christner

Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe