This grilled chicken is juicy and full of flavor, topped with a sweet and spicy peach chipotle sauce. It’s the perfect dish for summer barbecues and family dinners!
Let’s face it, fruit on chicken is a game changer! The blend of sweet peaches and smoky chipotle makes my taste buds dance. I often serve it with rice or a fresh salad for a colorful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are key for this sauce. If out of season, canned or frozen peaches work as a substitute. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These pe spicy and smoky. If you want less spice, try using smoked paprika or roasted red peppers instead. You can even leave it out for a milder sauce.
Honey: For a different sweetness, substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar can add a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that maple syrup can have a stronger taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a nice pop of flavor but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative. You could also try basil for a different twist.
How Do You Grill Chicken So It’s Juicy and Flavorful?
Grilling chicken can be simple, but it’s all about the technique. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Before grilling, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Rub the spice mixture generously and let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes for better flavor. If you have more time, longer marination is even better.
- Set your grill to medium-high heat and make sure it’s hot before placing the chicken on. This helps create those beautiful grill marks.
- When grilling, avoid flipping the chicken too often. Cook it for 6-7 minutes on one side before flipping. This allows it to sear well.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Grilled Chicken With Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust according to spice preference)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time grilling and making the sauce, but it’s quick and rewarding. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your chicken gets those nice grill marks and cooks evenly!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts so they’re nice and seasoned. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and set it aside while you make the sauce.
3. Make the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, throw in the diced peaches, chopped onion, and minced chipotle peppers. Add the honey and apple cider vinegar too. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and everything is smelling wonderful.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they have nice grill marks. This gives your chicken a great flavor!
5. Add the Sauce:
In the last few minutes of grilling, ladle some of the peach chipotle sauce over the chicken. This lets the flavors blend beautifully while the chicken finishes cooking.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the grilled chicken topped with more peach chipotle sauce, and don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Pair it with cooked white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first! The best way to do this is by placing the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of sealing in a plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about an hour. Remember to pat it dry before seasoning!
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for the Sauce?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, you can try using ripe mangoes or even pineapples to create a sweet and tangy sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the fruit size or ripeness varies.
How to Store Leftover Peach Chipotle Sauce?
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it! Just pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and it should last for up to three months.
What Can I Serve Instead of Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to white rice, you can serve the grilled chicken with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. These sides will complement the flavors of the peach chipotle sauce nicely!
