This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is a delicious way to enjoy a summer dinner! Juicy chicken breasts are topped with sweet peach salsa, making each bite fruity and flavorful.
It’s like a party on my plate! I can whip it up in no time, and my family loves how fresh and tasty it is. Pair it with rice or tortillas, and it’s simply perfect! 🍑
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and soak up the flavors well. You can also use boneless thighs for more juiciness or even tofu if you prefer a meatless option!
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery salsa. If peaches aren’t in season, mango or apricot can be a fun substitute.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds some crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap it with yellow or orange bell peppers. A green bell pepper will give a different flavor but is also a good option.
Jalapeño: If you like some heat, add the jalapeño! You can leave it out for milder flavor. If you want a bit more spice without the seeds, try a serrano pepper instead.
Cilantro: This brightens up the salsa. If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Perfectly cooked chicken is key for this dish! To ensure your chicken breasts turn out juicy and tender, follow these tips:
- Be sure to season the chicken well before cooking. Just salt and pepper make a huge difference!
- When searing the chicken, don’t rush it. Getting that golden-brown color takes about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). This will help prevent overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Total Time Needed:
This dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 35 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm for baking the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will give them great flavor as they cook!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they turn a lovely golden brown. This adds flavor and color!
4. Make the Peach Salsa:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a bowl and prepare your fresh peach salsa. Combine the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if you’re using it), cilantro, lime juice, honey, and ground cumin. Mix everything gently to combine all the flavors together. Yum!
5. Add the Salsa to Chicken:
Once the chicken is beautifully seared, spoon the peach salsa evenly over the top of each chicken breast. This will flavor the chicken while it bakes!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now, transfer the skillet with the chicken and salsa into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
7. Rest and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it’s hot!). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, serve it topped with the luscious peach salsa.
8. Enjoy:
Pair your Easy Peach Salsa Chicken with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas for a delightful meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ about Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to keep your salsa from becoming watery. Aim for about 2 cups of diced peaches once thawed.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeño altogether. For a little heat without the full spice, try using just half of a jalapeño or swapping it out for a milder pepper, like a sweet bell pepper or banana pepper.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach salsa up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just wait to cook the chicken until you’re ready to serve it, to keep it fresh and juicy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave, and serve it warm with the salsa on top.
