This grilled chicken is a tasty treat with a sweet and spicy peach chipotle sauce. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the bold flavors, making each bite exciting!
Who knew a little fruit could spice things up so much? I love serving this dish with rice or salad for a colorful meal that impresses my friends. It’s super easy to make too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling because they cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version!
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness. If they’re out of season, try canned peaches or substitutes like mango or apricot for a different yet tasty twist.
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: This adds spice and smoky flavor. For less heat, you can use smoked paprika instead. If you can’t find adobo, try a dash of hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a unique flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It balances sweetness and adds acidity. You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed. I usually prefer the tang of apple cider vinegar in sauces!
Olive Oil: It helps the seasoning stick to chicken. Feel free to substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you want a neutral taste or a high smoke point for grilling.
How Do I Make the Peach Chipotle Sauce?
The peach chipotle sauce is easy to make and adds a burst of flavor! Follow these simple steps:
- Start by heating a medium saucepan over medium heat. This helps the peaches cook evenly.
- Add diced peaches, honey, minced chipotle, and apple cider vinegar into the saucepan.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the peaches become soft. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro. This fresh herb adds brightness!
- Adjust spiciness by adding more chipotle or balancing with extra honey if needed.
Don’t rush the sauce; letting it simmer highlights the flavors better. It’s all about that perfect sweet and spicy balance!
How to Make Grilled Chicken With Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, you can have your meal ready in just about 35 minutes! Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mix is what makes the chicken taste amazing. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it cooked all the way through, so check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and that there’s no pink left in the middle. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Prepare the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
While the chicken is resting, let’s make the sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, honey, minced chipotle in adobo, and apple cider vinegar. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the peaches to soften and the sauce to thicken a bit.
5. Finish the Sauce:
After cooking, remove the sauce from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. This gives a fresh touch to the sauce that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the grilled chicken and place it on a plate. Top it generously with the peach chipotle sauce you just made. Serve with some warm, cooked rice on the side. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, smoky, sweet, and spicy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to fully thaw them before grilling for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option. Pat them dry before seasoning to get a better sear on the grill.
What If I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
No worries! If you can’t find ripe peaches, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sweetness, as canned peaches can be sweeter than fresh. If using frozen, allow them to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken and peach chipotle sauce in airtight containers. The chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the sauce can last for about a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chipotle in adobo sauce. You can also add a bit of brown sugar or extra honey to balance out the heat. For more spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using more chipotle.
