This Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is a sweet and tangy dish that’s sure to please! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with fresh, fruity peaches and a hint of balsamic for a burst of flavor.
You won’t believe how quick and simple this meal is to make. Throw it all together, and watch your family enjoy every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners—who doesn’t love a tasty shortcut?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give you a tender texture. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using thighs instead; they’ll stay moist even with cooking.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for that sweet flavor. If they aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches in juice or syrup—just drain them well first.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the glaze! If you need a substitute, you could try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but they won’t have the same sweetness. A little bit of sugar can help to mimic that flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, but you can swap them with regular tomatoes, just dice them up finely. Consider using sun-dried tomatoes for an intense taste!
Honey or Brown Sugar: These are optional sweeteners for the glaze. If you’re avoiding sugar, maple syrup works great—just adjust to taste as it can be sweeter.
How Do I Sear Chicken to Perfection?
Searing chicken properly helps lock in juices and flavor. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with a hot skillet. A good non-stick skillet works wonders!
- Add olive oil and make sure it’s shimmering before adding chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking.
- Aim for a golden brown crust by letting the chicken cook undisturbed for the first few minutes before flipping.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C when fully cooked). This helps avoid overcooking!
Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweeter glaze)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a ton of flavor to your chicken!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—it’ll be back in the pan soon!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which will take about 2-3 minutes. This builds a delicious base for your sauce.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them until they start to soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Their sweetness will enhance the other flavors!
5. Incorporate the Peaches:
Gently stir in the sliced peaches and let them cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften a bit. This is where the sweet flavor really comes through!
6. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
Pour in 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and add the honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter glaze. Stir well while scraping any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, spooning some of the peach and tomato mixture over the top. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 74°C) and the glaze has thickened.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves. Serve the chicken warm with the peach and balsamic glaze drizzled over the top. Enjoy it with a side of your choice, such as rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad!
This colorful, flavorful dish is sure to impress and delivers a delightful mix of savory and sweet in every bite!
FAQ for Easy Peach Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Be sure to thoroughly thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents any food safety issues.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches in light syrup or juice—just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the dish. This will still give you that sweet peach flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or use a microwave, ensuring they are heated through before enjoying again.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container until you’re ready to enjoy it.
