Jalapeno Peach Chicken

Introduction:

Indulge in a tantalizing culinary experience with Jalapeno Peach Chicken, a dish that beautifully balances the heat of jalapenos with the sweetness of ripe peaches. This delightful recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties, family meals, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests. In this article, we’ll explore the irresistible appeal of Jalapeno Peach Chicken, share a mouthwatering recipe, and provide tips for adding this delicious dish to your repertoire.

Ingredients:

Peaches:

• 2 yellow peaches, pitted, sliced

Peach Glaze:

• ½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Peach Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix all the glaze ingredients until incorporated. Set aside.
2. Chicken: Pat the chicken dry. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this seasoning mixture onto the chicken. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, reducing the heat to medium-low after flipping, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, transfer to a plate, and tent to keep warm. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium, add jalapeno slices, and cook for 3 minutes. Add the sliced peaches and cook for another 3 minutes until softened. Pour in the prepared peach glaze, stirring to coat the peaches and jalapenos evenly. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the chicken, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
3. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: 31 minutes | Kcal: 412 kcal | Servings: 6

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving Jalapeno Peach Chicken, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
2. Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve Jalapeno Peach Chicken with sides that complement its flavors. Options include rice pilaf, couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.
3. Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon any remaining jalapeno peach sauce over the chicken just before serving. The sauce adds moisture and extra flavor to the dish, ensuring each bite is delicious and satisfying.
4. Serve Hot: Jalapeno Peach Chicken is best served hot, straight from the oven or grill. Serve it immediately to enjoy the chicken at its tender and juicy best.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover Jalapeno Peach Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down before storing it to prevent condensation.
2. Reheating: To reheat Jalapeno Peach Chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
3. Avoid Overheating: When reheating the chicken, be careful not to overheat it, as this can dry out the meat. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or foil to help retain moisture while reheating.
4. Freezing: While you can freeze Jalapeno Peach Chicken, the texture of the chicken may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.

FAQs: