Spice and Sweetness: Georgia’s Must-Try Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe

Photo byPatricia Baker

In Georgia, where peaches are a celebrated part of the local culture and cuisine, there’s a dish that captures the perfect blend of sweet and spicy: Jalapeno Peach Chicken. This dish brings together the sweet, juicy goodness of Georgia peaches and the fiery kick of jalapenos, all while keeping it simple and satisfying. Whether you're a long-time resident of the Peach State or just a fan of its flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite for your dinner table.

Georgia peaches have long been known for their vibrant flavor and unbeatable sweetness, making them the perfect partner for a dish that combines fruit with savory elements. The Jalapeno Peach Chicken highlights everything people love about the state’s famous produce, paired with tender, juicy chicken thighs and a touch of heat from fresh jalapenos. It’s a recipe that not only embodies the essence of Georgia cuisine but also brings a little something extra to the table with every bite.

Recipe: Georgia Style Jalapeno Peach Chicken

Ingredients:

• Peaches: 2 yellow peaches, pitted and sliced
• Peach Glaze:
• • ½ cup peach preserves
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Chicken:
• • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Peach Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fully combined and set aside for later.
2. Chicken Preparation: Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs.
3. Cooking the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Jalapeno and Peaches: In the same skillet, increase the heat back to medium and add the sliced jalapeno peppers. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sliced peaches to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften and release their juices.
5. Finishing the Dish: Pour the prepared peach glaze into the skillet with the jalapenos and peaches. Stir to ensure the jalapenos and peaches are well coated in the glaze. Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the chicken, letting everything cook together for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is hot again and all flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Jalapeno Peach Chicken warm, garnished with extra peach slices or jalapenos for a vibrant and delicious presentation. It’s perfect with rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad for a complete Georgia-inspired meal.

A Taste of Georgia at Home

This Jalapeno Peach Chicken dish is a delightful way to experience the flavors of Georgia right from your own kitchen. The sweetness of the peaches paired with the heat of the jalapenos creates an unforgettable flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try, and let the flavors of Georgia's famous peaches take center stage in your next meal!

For a delicious Jalapeno Peach Chicken that captures the essence of Georgia's famous peaches, you can pan-sear or grill your chicken and glaze it with a sweet and spicy peach sauce that balances the heat of jalapeños with the sweetness of fresh peaches. This dish brings out the best of summer flavors and is perfect for serving over rice or alongside grilled vegetables.

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with spices like chili powder and paprika for a rich base flavor. The glaze, made with peach preserves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, perfectly complements the juicy, ripe peaches and the kick of jalapeños. The chicken is cooked until golden brown, then topped with the peach-jalapeño glaze for a vibrant, flavorful meal.

You can either pan-fry the chicken, as recommended by several sources, or grill it for a smoky touch. Either way, this dish delivers on taste and is sure to impress at your next gathering​(I Am Homesteader)​(The Skillful Cook)​(yeyfood.com).

For a more Georgian twist, the Georgia Peach Council suggests adding local peaches for an extra burst of fresh flavor​(Georgia Peaches).