Name: Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups jasmine rice; 3 cups water or chicken stock; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; Zest of 2 limes; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; ¾ cup chopped cilantro; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 peaches, pitted and halved; ¼ cup peach preserves; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 peaches, diced; 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 shallot, diced; ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 to 2 limes (freshly squeezed); Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 63 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, look no further than this Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe. This vibrant recipe brings together juicy grilled chicken breasts glazed with a tangy peach preserve sauce, paired with a lively jalapeño peach salsa and zesty cilantro lime rice. Every bite bursts with the warmth of smoked paprika, the sweetness of ripe peaches, and the kick of fresh jalapeños, making it a standout meal for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds seven grilled chicken pieces stacked together, each piece showing a rich, dark brown to golden color with visible charred grill marks and a glossy, slightly oily texture. The chicken's surface has a mix of darker burnt edges and lighter, golden-brown areas, indicating a well-grilled finish. The background and surface are a white marbled texture, enhancing the contrast of the chicken's warm, smoky colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the jasmine rice brings a tender backdrop, the peaches add natural sweetness and juiciness, and the jalapeños introduce a lively spice, while fresh herbs and citrus brighten the whole dish.

2 cups jasmine rice: Provides a fluffy, fragrant base perfect for absorbing the lime and cilantro flavors.
3 cups water or chicken stock: Use stock for extra depth or water for a lighter touch in cooking the rice.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and richness to the rice.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors throughout the recipe.
2 limes (zest freshly grated): The fresh zest intensifies the citrus brightness in the rice and salsa.
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds acidity and a refreshing punch.
¾ cup chopped cilantro: Provides a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for grilling and absorbing bold flavors.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses smoky warmth into the chicken seasoning.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and savory richness to the chicken.
2 peaches (pitted and halved): Sweet and juicy, these are grilled for caramelized flavor and saucy goodness.
¼ cup peach preserves: The secret ingredient for a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the spice.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to balance the sweetness in the glaze.
2 peaches (diced): Fresh in the salsa for bursts of juicy sweetness.
2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced): Pack in a spicy kick tailored to your heat tolerance.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Elevate the salsa with aromatic depth.
1 shallot (diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the salsa.
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Offers herbal freshness in the salsa’s mix.
1 to 2 limes (freshly squeezed): Provides lively acidity to the salsa.

How to Make Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice

Start by rinsing jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes extra starch and prevents clumping. Bring your water or chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan, then add the rice, butter, and generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover tightly, cooking just until the liquid is absorbed—about 12 to 15 minutes. Uncover and gently fluff the rice, then stir in fresh lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro. This step sets the stage with a fragrant, zesty base that pairs beautifully with the chicken and salsa.

Step 2: Season and Grill the Chicken and Peaches

Heat your grill to high so you can achieve that perfect sear. Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Slice your peaches in half and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper to draw out natural sweetness during grilling. Combine peach preserves and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to prepare your glaze. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, brushing the peach glaze on each side multiple times near the end to build layers of sticky sweetness. Grill the peach halves alongside for just a couple of minutes until they develop a caramelized edge. Rest the chicken and peaches for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to retain their juiciness.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Peach Salsa

In a mixing bowl, combine diced peaches, seeded jalapeños for controlled heat, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season well with salt and pepper and stir until mixed thoroughly. This bright, sweet, and spicy salsa is the perfect topping to contrast the smoky grilled chicken and tie together the flavors of this Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Slice the rested chicken and beautifully arrange it on plates alongside a generous scoop of cilantro lime rice. Add a spoonful of the fresh jalapeño peach salsa on top or on the side. Don’t forget those caramelized peach halves that add a perfect sweet counterpoint. Now you are ready to dive into an explosion of flavor!

How to Serve Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, with two main parts on it. On the left half, there is a heap of white rice mixed with small green herbs, giving a fresh look. On the right half, there are several slices of light brown grilled chicken, topped with a colorful salsa made of small pieces of yellow peaches, green and red peppers, and tiny bits of green herbs, all mixed together. A gold fork rests on the right edge of the plate, with a piece of salsa on its prongs. The lighting is soft and natural, showing all the textures and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish is all about enhancing the colors and flavors. Fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top add a vibrant green contrast, while lime wedges on the side offer an opportunity to add an extra citrus zing as desired. A light drizzle of extra peach glaze can amp up the visual appeal and sweetness, making each plate inviting and mouthwatering.

Side Dishes

While the cilantro lime rice provides a lovely starch, you can also serve this dish alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for added texture and smoky flavors. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette creates a refreshing balance and keeps the meal feeling light. For heartier fare, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes complement the sweet and spicy profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, consider serving the chicken sliced and fanned out atop the rice bed with the jalapeño peach salsa artistically spooned over each slice. Use grilled peach halves as a side garnish or even chop some up and mix them into the salsa for a subtle variation. To make it a casual feast, serve all components buffet-style, allowing guests to build their own flavors. No matter the styling, the dish’s vibrant colors and textures never fail to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe is cooked and cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the chicken, rice, and salsa separated when possible to preserve each element’s texture and freshness. Properly stored, the leftovers will stay good for up to 3 days, giving you delicious ready-to-eat meals.

Freezing

If you want to keep this tasty meal longer, you can freeze the grilled chicken and rice separately. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer bags, then do the same with the rice. Salsa doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients, so it’s best to make a fresh batch when you plan to serve leftovers. Frozen chicken and rice can be kept for up to 2 months without a significant loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in a warm oven or on a covered skillet to maintain juiciness. The rice reheats well in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water, stirred occasionally to restore moisture. Add freshly made jalapeño peach salsa before serving to keep that bright contrast and crisp texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe because they stay juicy and tender on the grill. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The jalapeño peach salsa adds a gentle to moderate heat depending on how many jalapeños you include and whether you keep the seeds. If you prefer milder flavors, remove all seeds and use only one jalapeño. For more heat, consider leaving some seeds or adding a pinch of cayenne to the salsa.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can grill the chicken and peaches on a grill pan or cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet and roast the peaches under a broiler until slightly caramelized. The flavor won’t be smoky but still delicious.

What can I substitute for jasmine rice?

If you don’t have jasmine rice, long-grain white rice or basmati rice are excellent alternatives for the cilantro lime rice side. Brown rice works too, but it will take longer to cook and has a nuttier flavor.

Can I prepare the salsa in advance?

Yes, you can make the jalapeño peach salsa up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, but be sure to stir it before serving and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Grilled Jalapeño Peach Chicken Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. The harmony of sweet peaches, smoky spices, and zesty fresh salsa turns a simple grilled chicken into an unforgettable meal. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings sunshine to your dinner table any time of year. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!