This yummy peach chicken is a delightful mix of sweet peaches and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that impresses!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up. Just pan-cook the chicken, add peaches, and drizzle that glaze on top—it’s a tasty win! 🍑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a bit more flavor and tenderness.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a lovely sweetness. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches in juice or even frozen peaches—just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its signature tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, try using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just know that the flavor will change slightly.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add bursts of flavor and color. Substitute with grape tomatoes or even standard diced tomatoes if necessary. You could also skip them for a simpler dish.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but getting it just right takes a few simple steps. Start with even-sized chicken pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Season them well with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot before adding oil.
- Cook without moving the chicken for 5-6 minutes on one side to get a nice sear before flipping.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F for safety. This keeps it tender and juicy!
Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the thinly sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes fragrant and softens.
4. Add Peaches and Tomatoes:
Now, add the sliced peaches and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften slightly.
5. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the honey if you want an extra touch of sweetness. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens into a glaze.
6. Combine Chicken with Glaze:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the fruity glaze over them. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with fresh slices of basil. Serve your peach chicken warm, drizzling more balsamic glaze over the top.
This tasty peach chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors that make this dish so delightful!
FAQ for Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Can I Use Frozen Peaches?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before slicing. Drain any excess liquid before adding them to the skillet to avoid watering down the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work as good substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious! You may want to add a touch of sugar or honey to mimic balsamic’s sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, and enjoy again!