This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with sweet and zesty peach salsa. Perfect for dinner, it comes together quickly and looks fancy!
Trust me, the best part is the burst of flavors! I love serving this with rice or tortilla chips—it’s like a fiesta on your plate! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches bring sweetness and juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, canned peaches in juice (not syrup) or mangoes make a great alternative.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to grill and delicious. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat—they’re juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill!
Red Onion & Red Bell Pepper: Both add crunch and color. If you want a milder flavor, use green onions or yellow bell peppers instead.
Jalapeño: This adds a little kick! Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference. You can swap it for a milder pepper or omit it altogether for a gentler taste.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken for This Recipe?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following a few simple steps will help you get juicy results every time.
- Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat for a good sear.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil to prevent sticking and keep it moist.
- Season generously with salt and pepper; this enhances the flavor.
- Grill on one side without moving it for about 5-7 minutes. This allows those beautiful grill marks to form without tearing the meat.
- Flip the chicken only once. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large peaches, pitted and diced (plus 1 peach halved for grilling)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder or ground cumin for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Peach Salsa Chicken in about 25 minutes. Quick and super flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks! Don’t forget to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Brush the chicken breasts with a little olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle salt and pepper to flavor them well. This is the base for your delicious grilled chicken!
3. Grill the Chicken and Peaches:
Now it’s time for the grilling magic! Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill, and also add the chicken breasts. Grill the peaches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and soften. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Make the Peach Salsa:
While everything is grilling, let’s whip up the peach salsa! In a mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches (the ones you set aside), red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and honey or agave. Stir the mixture gently but well! Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you want an extra kick, sprinkle in some chili powder or cumin.
5. Combine Grilled Peaches:
Once the grilled peaches have cooled down a bit, chop them into pieces and add them to your salsa mixture for that delicious smoky flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to enjoy! Serve the grilled chicken breasts topped generously with the peach salsa. This goes wonderfully with grilled veggies or a side of green beans. Dive in and savor that juicy, sweet, and slightly spicy goodness!
Enjoy your delightful meal! 🥳
FAQ for Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Salsa?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, try using mangoes, pineapples, or even nectarines. Just make sure to adjust the spices to complement the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. Drain any excess liquid to keep your salsa from becoming watery. Fresh peaches will give the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out. The salsa can be served cold.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Definitely! You can grill the chicken and make the salsa in advance, then just combine when ready to eat. This dish can be stored separately in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!