This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is a tasty meal that brings together juicy chicken and a sweet, fresh peach salsa. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights!
The bright flavors of the salsa really make the chicken shine. I love serving it with rice or tortillas for an easy dinner. Plus, it looks fancy but is super simple to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal for their sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with canned peaches, but try to use ones packed in juice, not syrup for a lighter flavor.
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick cooking time. You can also use thighs for more flavor or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can substitute with canola oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Red Onion: For a milder taste, use green onions or shallots. Both add a nice flavor to the salsa without overwhelming the peaches.
Jalapeño: If you want less heat, skip the jalapeño, or replace it with a bell pepper for sweetness. You could also use a pinch of red pepper flakes if you still want an extra kick.
How Can I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches really enhances their natural sweetness. For perfect grilled peaches, follow these tips:
- Choose peaches that are slightly firm yet ripe to prevent them from becoming mushy on the grill.
- Slice them in half and remove the pit. Brushing them with olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Grill cut-side down first. This gives those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugars for a rich flavor.
- Only grill for 3-4 minutes, just until they’re warmed and you can see grill marks. They should still hold their shape!
Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Grilling:
- 2 large peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for grilling peaches
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Peach Salsa:
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for balance)
For the Sides:
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes on prep and another 10-15 minutes grilling everything to perfection. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, you can prepare your ingredients to save time.
2. Season the Chicken:
Brush the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure to season both sides with salt and pepper for flavor. This will keep the chicken juicy and delicious!
3. Prepare the Peaches:
Take the halved peaches and lightly brush the cut sides with a little more olive oil. This will help them grill nicely and prevent them from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and nicely charred. You want them to be juicy on the inside!
5. Grill the Peaches:
While the chicken is grilling, add the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they soften slightly. They should be warm but still hold their shape!
6. Prepare the Green Beans:
In a bowl, toss the green beans with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can grill them alongside the chicken, or roast them in an oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
7. Make the Peach Salsa:
Once the peaches are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. Dice the grilled peaches (removing the skin if you prefer) and mix them in a bowl with the diced red onion, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Stir well and season with salt to taste.
8. Finish Up:
Take the chicken, grilled peaches, and green beans off the heat. Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the grilled chicken on a plate and top with the fresh peach salsa. Add the grilled peach halves and green beans on the side. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish!
Enjoy this delightful meal with the sweetness of peaches and the savory taste of grilled chicken. Perfect for summer nights!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Choose peaches packed in juice rather than syrup for a lighter flavor. Simply drain and rinse them before grilling or dicing for the salsa. Keep in mind that canned peaches may require less grilling time, so keep an eye on them!
What Should I Serve with Peach Salsa Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or tortillas to soak up the peach salsa. You can also serve it with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and peach salsa in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist during reheating.
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach salsa up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, but if you’re using fresh peaches, add them right before serving for the best texture!
