This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is a fun dish that brings together juicy chicken and sweet, fresh peach salsa. It’s like a summer party on your plate!
Who knew peach salsa could make chicken so tasty? I love serving it with rice or tortillas—perfect for those lazy evenings when you want something special yet easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for something different, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor or even turkey breasts!
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring sweetness to the salsa, but feel free to use mango or even canned peaches in syrup if fresh ones aren’t available.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with green onions or even skip it altogether.
Jalapeño Pepper: Optional for those who like some heat. If you want a milder version, omit it or replace it with a bit of bell pepper.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salsa. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute, or simply leave it out!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
Grilling the chicken just right can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy, perfectly grilled chicken every time!
- Make sure to preheat your grill or pan well before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside quickly.
- Don’t flip the chicken too soon! Give it about 5-6 minutes on each side before turning to achieve great grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and not overcooked.
With these simple tips, your chicken will come out tender and juicy every time! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for grilling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Peach Salsa:
- 1-2 ripe peaches, pitted and diced (plus 1 peach halved and grilled for garnish)
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
For Serving:
- Fresh green beans or other vegetables, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes total to prepare and cook. You’ll need roughly 10 minutes to prep the salsa and grill the chicken, plus about 10 minutes for cooking time. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Salsa:
Start by making the delicious peach salsa! In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, jalapeño (if you want that kick), and chopped cilantro. Squeeze in the lime juice, drizzle in the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin. Give everything a good mix and set the salsa aside to allow the flavors to blend.
2. Preheat Grill or Grill Pan:
While the salsa is sitting, heat your grill or grill pan on medium-high. Brush both the chicken breasts and the halved peach with a bit of olive oil, seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Grill the Chicken and Peach:
Put the chicken breasts on the grill, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to be cooked through until the juices run clear. At the same time, the peach halves can go cut-side down on the grill. Grill the peach for about 3-4 minutes until you see lovely grill marks and it softens slightly.
4. Cook the Green Beans:
While everything is grilling, you can quickly prepare the green beans! Sauté or grill them until they’re tender and just starting to char, adding a sprinkle of salt and a little bit of olive oil for flavor.
5. Serve:
Time to put it all together! Place the grilled chicken on a plate and generously spoon the peach salsa over the top. Add the grilled peach half on the side and dish up your fresh green beans. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful dish!
This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience of flavors and colors. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the quick-thaw method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
No worries! You can substitute fresh peaches with canned peaches (drained) or use mango for a similar sweetness. Just make sure the canned peaches are in juice, not syrup, to keep it from being overly sweet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and peach salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the salsa can last 2-3 days as well, although the peaches may soften over time.
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach salsa a few hours in advance or the night before. Just mix all the ingredients and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This will also enhance the flavors!
