Imagine a dish where the sweetness of ripe peaches dances with the tang of balsamic vinegar, all while cozying up to tender chicken in a single skillet. It’s a symphony of flavors that feels like a warm hug after a long day—and I swear, you might just find yourself humming a little tune as you cook. This recipe somehow makes me nostalgic for summer picnics and autumn dinners all at once, a delicious contradiction I can’t get enough of.
Steps
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes, then move it to the side of the pan.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add it to the skillet, and cook until each side is golden, approximately 2.5 minutes per side.
- Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside, keeping the oil and onions in the pan. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 20 seconds.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar and stir, allowing it to reduce by half, which should take about a minute.
- Mix in honey, then add peaches and tomatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss everything together.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it between the peaches and tomatoes. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium-low heat until the chicken is fully cooked, around 6 to 9 minutes.
- Garnish the dish with fresh basil before serving it warm.
Ingredients
- Olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon (plus more if needed)
- Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped
- Chicken breasts, 4 (approximately 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
- Balsamic vinegar, 1/3 cup
- Honey, 2 tablespoons
- Fresh peaches, 2 large, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup, halved
- Fresh basil, 2 tablespoons, chopped
FAQ
- What type of chicken works best for this Peach Chicken recipe?
- You can use either chicken tenders or chicken breasts for this recipe. Both options are equally delicious, and bone-in chicken thighs could also be a flavorful choice due to their juices.
- Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dish?
- Absolutely! You can make the dish sweeter by adding brown sugar or enhance its tanginess by incorporating lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- What side dishes pair well with Peach Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with potatoes, rice, or couscous. You can also serve it with grains like farro, barley, or quinoa.
- How long does it take to prepare and cook Peach Chicken?
- The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25 minutes, making it a 40-minute dish from start to finish.
- Can I add other herbs to the Peach Chicken recipe?
- Yes, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to give the dish a more summery and fresh flavor.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor by experimenting with different herbs. While fresh basil is a great choice, consider adding rosemary or fresh thyme for a more summery taste.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference. You can make the dish sweeter with brown sugar or add more tang with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Try different cuts of chicken based on what you have available. Chicken breasts and tenders work well, but bone-in chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.
- Serve the balsamic peach chicken with a variety of sides. It pairs well with grains like farro, barley, or quinoa, and also complements potatoes, rice, or couscous.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Large skillet with lid – Needed for sautéing and simmering the chicken and sauce.
