This grilled chicken is a winner, with juicy meat and a sweet, smoky peach chipotle sauce that adds a tasty kick. It’s easy to whip up on a summer evening!
I often get compliments when I serve this dish. You can pair it with a fresh salad or some rice for a complete meal. Who knew healthy could be this delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs will work great too. They have more flavor and stay moist while cooking.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe. If they aren’t in season, consider using canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) or apricots as a substitute.
Chipotle Peppers: These add a smoky heat to the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you want a milder sauce, use smoked paprika instead for a hint of smokiness without the heat.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either works beautifully for sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try a sugar substitute like agave syrup or stevia.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely brightness. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for fresh parsley or skip it altogether.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken can be tricky if you’re not careful, but with a few tips, you’ll get juicy results every time.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure to oil your grill grates or brush oil on the chicken to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken without moving it for the first few minutes. This helps to get nice grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
These easy tips can really elevate your grilling game! Enjoy the tasty results!
Easy Grilled Chicken With Sweet Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to have this delicious meal ready on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Brush this mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. This will add flavor and help keep the chicken juicy.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken on the heated grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and keep it warm.
4. Make the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, you can make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, minced chipotle peppers, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until the peaches are soft and the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped red onion and cilantro. This adds freshness and gives the sauce a wonderful texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, spoon the warm peach chipotle sauce generously over each grilled chicken breast. Garnish with extra cilantro if you like. This chicken pairs beautifully with rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the fantastic balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors!
Dig in and enjoy the delightful taste of summer with every bite!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken With Sweet Peach Chipotle Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before grilling. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge or place it sealed in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No worries! You can substitute fresh peaches with canned peaches in juice (not syrup) or even use nectarines. Just drain and chop them before adding to the sauce.
How Can I Modify The Sauce for Less Heat?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them entirely. You can also replace the chipotles with a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without the heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Enjoy your cooking! 🍑🍗
