This Easy Peach Salsa Chicken is a bright and tasty dish that pairs juicy chicken with sweet and spicy peach salsa. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
The combination of juicy peach and zesty salsa makes every bite a little party in your mouth! I love serving it with rice or tortilla chips for a fun meal.
What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is! Just grill or bake the chicken, top it with salsa, and you’re done. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy chicken any night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless make the recipe easy and quick to cook. If you need a substitute, turkey cutlets or firm fish like cod also work well.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches bring a sweet flavor. If they’re out of season, you could use canned peaches (drained) or mango for a different twist!
Red Onion: This gives a nice sharpness. A yellow onion or green onion can be used instead. Just use less yellow onion as it’s stronger in flavor.
Jalapeño: This adds heat if you like spicy food. If you want less heat, consider using bell pepper or simply leave it out. For more spice, you might try a serrano pepper.
Cilantro: It adds freshness to the salsa. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or mint can be used as a substitute. It’ll give a different flavor, but still delicious!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy results. Here’s how to make it great:
- Start with dry chicken; pat it with paper towels before oiling to help it sear better.
- Keep the grill medium-high. Too hot burns the chicken outside but leaves it raw inside. Aim for about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
- Don’t flip too soon! Let it develop a nice sear. Cooking 5-7 minutes on each side is usually perfect.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures it’s cooked perfectly!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender chicken.
By following these tips, your chicken will turn out beautifully grilled and delicious every time!
Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Peach Salsa:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced (plus 1 peach halved and grilled for garnish, optional)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for salsa)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sides (Optional):
- Grilled asparagus or your favorite sides
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Peach Salsa Chicken can be prepared in about 10-15 minutes and grilled in about 15 minutes. That’s just 30 minutes total for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peach Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced peaches, finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well and set aside. Let the salsa sit so the flavors meld together!
2. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
While the salsa sits, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Brush each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’d like, add the halved peach to the grill for the last few minutes to get nice grill marks and enhance the flavor.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This ensures the juices stay locked inside for tender chicken!
6. Top and Enjoy:
Plate the grilled chicken, topping it generously with the fresh peach salsa. If you grilled the peach, place it alongside for garnish. Serve with grilled asparagus or your favorite side, and enjoy your flavorful, fresh Easy Peach Salsa Chicken!
This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the sweetness of peaches paired with delicious grilled chicken. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Peach Salsa Chicken
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, try using ripe mangoes or fresh pineapples. Both provide a sweet and tropical flavor that pairs well with the chicken.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove or bake it in the oven. If baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated gently in the microwave or on a skillet, while the salsa is best served cold!
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach salsa up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
