This Easy Peach Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken breasts pair perfectly with sweet peaches and a tangy balsamic glaze that makes your mouth water.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap them for chicken thighs. They offer a richer flavor and stay juicier during cooking.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for this recipe, bringing sweetness and flavor. You can replace them with nectarines if peaches aren’t available or even use canned peaches (just drain them well).
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds that distinctive tangy flavor. If you’re out, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as alternatives, though the taste will be slightly different.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and burst. Regular tomatoes can be used, but cut them into smaller pieces. You could also skip them if you want a simpler dish.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional but great for balancing acidity. If you prefer a different sweetener, agave nectar or brown sugar will do nicely.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken breasts juicy is all about cooking them correctly. Here are my best tips to avoid dry chicken:
- Start with room temperature chicken; it cooks evenly.
- Don’t cook on too high heat! Medium-high heat works best to prevent burning while cooking through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting. This keeps the juices in.
Following these tips will help you serve perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Total time: approximately 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor nicely.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
4. Add the Peaches and Tomatoes:
Next, add the sliced peaches and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften slightly while the tomatoes start to release their juices.
5. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and mix all those tasty bits into the sauce. This will add a lot of flavor to your dish!
6. Sweeten It Up:
If you like a little sweetness, add honey or maple syrup at this point. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. Combine and Heat Through:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce and fruit over the top. Let everything warm together for another 2 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly sliced basil. Serve your Easy Peach Chicken with the balsamic glaze right away. This dish goes wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy!
Now you have a delightful and simple Peach Chicken dish ready to impress! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute them with nectarines or even canned peaches (just ensure they are well-drained). The flavor will vary slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely sweetness in the dish!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.
