Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Jalapeño Peach Sauce
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or canned peaches, if fresh peaches are out of season)
- 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Fresh lime juice for a tangy twist
- 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness in the sauce
For Serving
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Extra peach slices and jalapeño rounds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the bowl with the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces until they are lightly coated with cornstarch. This creates a crispy texture when fried, and helps the sauce adhere to the chicken later.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil in a Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. The chicken should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Peach Sauce
- Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Jalapeños: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and then add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced jalapeños. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Peaches and Other Ingredients: Add the peach slices to the pan, along with honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. The peaches will soften and release their juices, adding a natural sweetness to the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce
- Add Chicken to the Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat each piece in the sauce. Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, so the flavors meld together and the chicken is fully glazed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, or more jalapeños for heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions over the Jalapeño Peach Chicken. Garnish with extra peach slices and jalapeño rounds if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the dish hot over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g