Sweet Spicy Glazed Chicken

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a vibrant sweet-spicy glaze made from peach preserves. Seasoned chicken is pan-seared until golden, then complemented with fresh jalapeños and sliced peaches. The signature glaze features peach preserves enhanced with soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, creating complex flavor layers. Everything comes together in one skillet, with the chicken returning to the pan to be coated in the sweet-spicy sauce before serving. The result is a perfect balance of sweet fruit and mild heat.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:59:39 GMT
A plate of chicken with peaches and jalapenos. Pin
A plate of chicken with peaches and jalapenos. | zestplate.com

This sweet and spicy jalapeño peach chicken transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a vibrant summer meal that balances heat with natural sweetness. The glossy peach glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken while fresh jalapeños add just the right kick to wake up your taste buds.

I created this recipe during peach season last year when my farmers market haul was threatening to overripen on my counter. My husband now requests this dish weekly throughout summer and we've even made it in winter with frozen peaches when we need a reminder of warmer days.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect here as they stay juicy and absorb flavors better than breast meat
  • Fresh yellow peaches add natural sweetness and a beautiful color contrast to the dish
  • Peach preserves create a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken
  • Jalapeño pepper provides customizable heat level depending on how many seeds you include
  • Soy sauce adds essential umami depth to balance the sweetness
  • Apple cider vinegar brightens all the flavors with necessary acidity
  • Dijon mustard works as both a flavor enhancer and an emulsifier for the glaze
  • Chili powder in the chicken rub complements the jalapeño without overpowering

How To Make Jalapeño Peach Chicken

Prepare the glaze
Combine peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl and stir until completely incorporated. This can be done up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The mixture should look smooth and have a slightly thickened consistency.
Season the chicken
Pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure proper browning. Mix salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl and generously coat both sides of each thigh. Make sure to work the seasoning into all the nooks and folds of the chicken for consistent flavor throughout.
Cook the chicken
Heat your skillet until it's properly hot before adding oil to prevent sticking. Place each thigh flat in the pan with space between them to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for the full 5 minutes before flipping to develop a beautiful golden crust. After flipping, reduce the heat to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning.
Sauté the peppers and peaches
The same pan retains all the flavorful chicken bits that will infuse into the vegetables. Cook the jalapeños first to soften their sharpness before adding the more delicate peaches. The peaches should become slightly tender but still maintain their shape without turning mushy.
Finish with glaze
Pour the prepared glaze directly over the fruit and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. When returning the chicken to the pan, nestle each piece into the sauce and spoon the mixture over the top for a beautiful glazed finish. The final brief cooking time allows the flavors to meld together.

The first time I made this dish, I accidentally used extra hot jalapeños from my garden and my husband was sweating through dinner. Now we laugh about it, but I've learned to always taste a tiny bit of jalapeño before adding the entire pepper. The peach preserves have become my secret ingredient in many other glazes now too!

A plate of jalapeno peach chicken.
A plate of jalapeno peach chicken. | zestplate.com

Make Ahead Options

The peach glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using. You can also season the chicken the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator, which actually improves flavor development. The entire dish reheats beautifully the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight.

Seasonal Adaptations

When fresh peaches aren't in season, substitute with frozen peaches that have been thawed and patted dry. In a pinch, canned peaches in juice rather than syrup will work too, just drain them thoroughly. For winter warmth, try adding a cinnamon stick to the glaze or replace the jalapeño with a dried chipotle pepper for a smokier profile that pairs wonderfully with the sweet peaches.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken shines when served over coconut rice, which soaks up the flavorful glaze beautifully. For a complete meal, add a simple side of steamed green vegetables like broccolini or snap peas. The leftover chicken also makes an incredible sandwich filling the next day when combined with some arugula and a spread of additional peach preserves on crusty bread.

A plate of jalapeno peach chicken.
A plate of jalapeno peach chicken. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Consider pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the jalapeño and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes or reduce the amount used. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or increase the red pepper flakes.

→ Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, drained canned peaches will work if fresh aren't available. They're already soft, so add them later in the cooking process—just long enough to warm through and absorb flavor, about 1-2 minutes instead of the full 3 minutes.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with rice (white, brown, or coconut) to absorb the flavorful sauce. Other good options include roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or crusty bread to soak up the glaze.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the peach glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The completed dish reheats well but is best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, do so gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

→ Is there a substitute for peach preserves?

If peach preserves aren't available, try apricot preserves for a similar flavor profile. You could also use peach jam with a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness, or even mango preserves for a tropical twist.

Jalapeño Peach Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs coated in sweet-spicy peach glaze with fresh jalapeños and tender peach slices for a delightful dinner.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Duration
35 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Fusion

Output: 4 Servings (4 chicken thighs with peach glaze)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Peaches

01 2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced

→ Peach Glaze

02 160 g peach preserves
03 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
04 5 ml soy sauce
05 5 ml apple cider vinegar
06 5 ml Dijon mustard
07 1 g garlic, minced
08 3 g kosher salt
09 0.5 g black pepper
10 0.25 g red pepper flakes

→ Chicken

11 900 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
12 5 g kosher salt
13 1 g black pepper
14 1.5 g chili powder
15 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
16 1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced

Directions

Step 01

In a medium mixing bowl, combine peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly until the glaze is well blended and set aside.

Step 02

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Evenly coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mixture.

Step 03

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, and once hot, arrange chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each thigh, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover loosely to retain warmth.

Step 04

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add sliced jalapeño pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the sliced peaches to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3 minutes or until the fruit is tender.

Step 05

Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet with the peaches and jalapeños. Stir well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 06

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning glaze over the top. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and coated with glaze. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  1. The sweet-spicy combination of peaches and jalapeños creates a perfect balance of flavors that complements the savory chicken thighs.
  2. For best results, use ripe but firm peaches that will hold their shape during cooking.

Required Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Meat thermometer
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains soy
  • May contain sulfites from mustard

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fat: 22.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
  • Protein: 28.7 g