This grilled chicken is juicy and full of flavor! It gets a fun kick from a sweet peach chipotle sauce that adds a little heat and sweetness to each bite.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love firing up the grill and smothering the chicken with that tasty sauce. It’s perfect for summer BBQs or a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they stay juicy when grilled. If you want, thighs can be used too; they offer a richer flavor and are more forgiving when it comes to cooking time.
Pezches: Ripe peaches truly shine in this dish. If peaches aren’t in season, you could try nectarines or even canned peaches. Just ensure to drain them well before cooking, as they can add extra moisture.
Chipotle Peppers: These bring a nice spicy and smoky flavor to the sauce. If you want it milder, simply use less or substitute with smoked paprika for that smoky note without the heat.
Honey or Maple Syrup: I love using honey for sweetness, but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative. Brown sugar can be used too; just remember to adjust the quantities to taste.
How Do You Achieve Tender and Juicy Grilled Chicken?
Getting your chicken perfectly grilled is easier than you think! Start by ensuring your grill is hot enough. Then, season the chicken well to lock in flavor. Here’s a quick guide:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender.
- Keep an eye on it while cooking; flipping once is ideal for nice grill marks!
Easy Grilled Chicken with Sweet Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers can)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional: cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes total cooking time, depending on your grill. After marinating the chicken (if you have time), it’s a quick 30-minute meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
First, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those perfect grill marks and ensuring your chicken cooks evenly.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together. Then, rub this delicious seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts. This step adds flavor right to the chicken!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This makes the chicken juicy!
4. Making the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
While the chicken rests, grab a medium skillet and heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add in the red onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
5. Adding Sweetness to the Sauce:
Stir in the diced peaches, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the peaches to soften, and the flavors to meld together beautifully. You want it to thicken slightly.
6. Finishing the Sauce:
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the grilled chicken breasts on plates and generously top each with the sweet peach chipotle sauce. It’s fantastic with a side of cooked white rice or your favorite vegetable!
This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken with Sweet Peach Chipotle Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before grilling. To thaw quickly, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat dry before seasoning and grilling to avoid extra moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level of the Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the number of chipotle peppers you use, or substitute them with just the adobo sauce for some smoky flavor without too much heat. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the spiciness if needed!
Can I Make the Peach Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet peach chipotle sauce a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving to bring back the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on a skillet to maintain its juiciness, and consider drizzling some extra peach sauce on top for added flavor!
