Grilled chicken topped with a sweet and spicy peach chipotle sauce is a summer favorite! It’s juicy, flavorful, and gives your taste buds a tasty kick with each bite.
I love how the sweetness of peaches pairs perfectly with the heat of chipotle. It’s like a flavor party on your plate! And the best part? It’s super easy to make, perfect for any barbecue day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling due to their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use turkey breasts. Alternatively, chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add sweetness to the sauce. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches in juice (not syrup) or try substituting with nectarines for a similar flavor.
Chipotle Peppers: Adjust the spice with chipotle peppers in adobo. Use fewer if you’re sensitive to heat or add more for a kick. For milder flavors, smoked paprika can complement the dish nicely.
Honey: It adds sweetness and balances the heat. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as good substitutes if you’re looking for a vegan option.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few tips can help. First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high for nice sear marks. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Season the chicken with your spice mix and rub it well. This infuses great flavor.
- Use olive oil to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out. A light drizzle is all you need.
- Cook on one side for about 6-7 minutes without flipping to get those gorgeous grill lines.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain juices.
How to Make Grilled Chicken With Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
To Serve:
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty grilled chicken dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, set aside about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take the spice mix and rub it all over both sides of the chicken breasts. This will infuse them with flavor!
3. Oil the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken breasts. This helps keep the chicken juicy while it’s grilling. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) and ensure there is no pink left in the center of the chicken.
5. Make the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
While your chicken is grilling, let’s whip up the peach chipotle sauce! In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, red onions, minced chipotle peppers, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring until the sauce thickens and the peaches soften.
6. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once the chicken is finished cooking, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the chicken extra tender!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Time to serve! Place the grilled chicken on a plate and generously spoon the warm peach chipotle sauce over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch!
8. Enjoy with Rice:
Serve the chicken alongside some cooked rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before grilling. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
What If I Don’t Have Peaches?
No worries! You can substitute peaches with ripe nectarines or apricots for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, canned peaches in juice (drained) can work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly since canned fruit may soften more quickly.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or use just a little of the adobo sauce. You can also substitute with a milder pepper, like poblano or bell pepper, for some flavor without the heat! If you want to add more spice later, consider serving with hot sauce on the side.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach chipotle sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This can save you time on cooking day!
