This grilled chicken and peaches recipe brings a delightful symphony of sweet and savory to your plate. The chicken turns out incredibly juicy with a hint of smoky goodness. The peachy glaze offers a bright, tangy counterpoint that you’ll adore.
I love making this for summer weeknights. It’s also simple enough for busy evenings. My family always asks for seconds of this flavorful chicken and fruit combination.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe for grilled chicken and peaches is just fantastic! It’s so easy for weeknight dinners. The sweet and savory flavors are simply irresistible. Plus, it always impresses my guests. The tender chicken tastes amazing. And those warm, grilled peaches? They’re pure sunshine. It truly makes mealtime a joy. This dish is a family favorite for sure.
Grilled Chicken and Peaches Ingredients
Creating this delicious fruit-glazed chicken dish starts with a simple blend of kitchen staples. Each ingredient plays its part in making the most flavorful grilled chicken and peaches you’ve ever had. It’s truly a magical combination of textures and tastes.
- Peach preserves: This is the heart of our vibrant, sweet-tart glaze for the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced or grated, it adds a lovely savory depth.
- Olive oil: Used for both the glaze and brushing the chicken, it helps with browning.
- Soy sauce: A secret weapon for umami and a beautiful, rich color.
- Dijon mustard: It brings a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a subtle warmth; you can adjust it easily.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every flavor.
- Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces: These ensure juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin.
- Ripe peaches: Optional, but grilled peaches are a sublime addition to this meal.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have peach preserves? Apricot jam works wonderfully too! For the chicken, feel free to use boneless, skinless cuts, though cooking times will vary. You can always add a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth. Remember, specific measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled Chicken and Peaches
Now, let’s get down to the fun part: making this incredible peach-glazed chicken! Follow these steps for tender, juicy results. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is.
Preparing the Peach Glaze
First, grab a medium bowl. Combine the peach preserves in it. Add in your minced garlic next. Pour in the olive oil and soy sauce. Then stir in the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything really well. This creates your magical glaze. If you plan to grill peaches later, reserve two tablespoons. Set the rest aside for the chicken.
Grilling Method for Juicy Chicken
Setting Up Your Grill
Trim any extra fat from your chicken pieces. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels. This helps get crispy skin. Rub or brush the chicken with olive oil. Season it with salt and pepper. While you do this, heat up your grill. Clean and oil the grill grates. For a gas grill, heat it to medium-high. Turn off burners on one side. This makes two heat zones. A direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone are best. For a charcoal grill, light enough charcoal. Pour coals on one side. This also makes two zones. Let the grill preheat for about five minutes. This gets it nice and hot.
Grilling the Chicken to Perfection
Place chicken skin-side down on the direct heat. Cook for about four to five minutes. The skin should turn golden brown. Make sure it doesn’t char. Flip the chicken over. Lightly brush the top with glaze. Cook covered for about four minutes. Now, move the chicken to the indirect side. Generously brush with more glaze. Cover and cook for another four to five minutes. Flip the chicken again. It will be skin-side down. Brush with more glaze. Cook covered for four to five minutes. Flip one more time. Brush on the last of the glaze. Cook until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to check. Remove from the grill. Let the chicken rest for five to ten minutes. This keeps it juicy.
Adding the Grilled Peaches
While the chicken rests, grill your peach halves. Place them cut-side down. Grill for just two minutes. Flip them over gently. Brush with the reserved glaze. Continue grilling until truly soft. This usually takes about three more minutes. Remove the peaches from the grill. Serve them alongside your amazing grilled chicken and peaches.
Combined Grill and Oven Method
This method offers crispy skin and even cooking. It’s perfect if you’re new to grilling. Or if you prefer less fuss outside.
Starting on the Grill
Follow the glaze instructions from Step 1 above. Preheat your grill to medium hot. Also, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about four to five minutes. You want a nice golden-brown color. Don’t let it char. Flip the chicken. Lightly brush with glaze. Cook covered for about four minutes. Flip one more time. Brush with more glaze. Cook for another two to three minutes. This gets a great sear. Your grilled chicken and peaches journey is halfway there!
Finishing in the Oven
Remove the chicken from the grill. Place it in an oven-safe dish. Generously brush on more glaze. Put the dish in the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. The internal temperature needs to reach 165°F. Use a thermometer to be sure. Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for five to ten minutes. While it bakes, grill your peaches. Follow the same peach grilling steps as above. Serve the sweet grilled chicken and peaches together. It’s a truly delightful meal!
How to Store Grilled Chicken and Peaches
Once your amazing grilled chicken and peaches have cooled, store any leftovers promptly. Place the chicken and peaches in an airtight container. They will last for three to four days in the refrigerator. This makes for super easy meal prep. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors later.
Tips for Success
- Patting chicken dry helps skin crisp up.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let chicken rest; it keeps juices in.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill when cooking.
- Adjust cayenne for your spice preference.
- Brush glaze thoughtfully, don’t overdo it.
- Choose firm but ripe peaches for grilling.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A sturdy mixing bowl is essential.
- Good quality grilling tongs are a must.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer for safety.
- A basting brush helps apply the glaze.
- Grill grates, of course, for cooking.
- An oven-safe dish for the oven method.
- Paper towels for drying the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy couscous or rice.
- A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch.
- Roasted asparagus complements perfectly.
- Try it with a side of sweet potato fries.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine.
- A sparkling lemonade is also delicious.
- Garnish with fresh basil or mint.
Grilled Chicken and Peaches
- Total Time: 60-70 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This recipe features grilled chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory peach glaze, with optional grilled peach halves as a side. It offers two cooking methods: entirely on the grill or a combination of grilling and oven baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 cloves of garlic minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil plus more for brushing
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts)
- 4 ripe peaches pitted and cut in half (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper and mix well. Set aside. If you are serving the chicken with peach halves, reserve 2 tablespoons of the glaze.
- Grilling Method: Trim any excess fat from the chicken as necessary. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels then, rub or brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you heat up the grill.
- Clean and oil the grill grates.
- Preheat an outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat and turn off the burners on one side of the grill to create 2 zones. A direct heat zone and an indirect heat zone.
- For Charcoal Grill: Clean and oil the grates. Light a chimney with enough charcoal to cover half of the grill (I fill a charcoal chimney ¾ full). When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out the coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This creates 2-zones, a zone of direct heat and a zone for indirect heat. Set the clean and oiled cooking grate in place, cover the grill, and allow to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken on the grill skin side down and cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure the chicken doesn’t char.
- Flip the chicken and lightly brush the top with glaze. Continue to cook covered for about 4 minutes.
- Move the chicken pieces to the unlit side of the grill, skin side up and generously brush with the glaze. Cover and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip (the chicken will be skin side down) and brush with glaze. Cook covered for about 4-5 minutes. Flip again, brush with glaze and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- Meanwhile, place the peach halves on the grill cut side down, grill for 2 minutes. Flip and brush with the reserved glaze. Grill until the peaches are soft (about 3 more minutes). Remove from the grill and serve with the chicken.
- Combined Grill and Oven Method: Follow Step 1 from the Grilling Method.
- Preheat the grill to medium hot and preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Place the chicken on the grill skin side down and cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure the chicken doesn’t char.
- Flip the chicken and lightly brush the top with glaze. Continue to cook covered for about 4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, brush with the glaze and cook for an additional 2 – 3 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and place it in an oven safe dish. Generously brush more glaze onto the chicken. Place in the oven and cook for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- While the chicken bakes, grill the peaches (step 7 from above). Serve.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry for crispy skin.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Allowing the chicken to rest keeps it juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Grill/Oven Combination
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for Grilled Chicken and Peaches?
Absolutely, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts cook much faster, so adjust your grilling time. Always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your grilled chicken and peaches are perfectly cooked.
How do I know when my Grilled Chicken and Peaches are done?
The best way to tell is by using a reliable meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F. For the peaches, they should be soft and lightly caramelized when done.
Can I make the peach glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you certainly can! The peach glaze can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep for your grilled chicken and peaches even easier on busy days. Just give it a good stir before using.
What if I don’t have a grill for Grilled Chicken and Peaches?
No problem at all! You can easily adapt this recipe. Simply bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F until cooked through. You can also use a grill pan on your stovetop to get those lovely grill marks. For the peaches, a hot griddle pan works beautifully for charring.
Conclusion
So there you have it, friends! This grilled chicken and peaches recipe is truly a summer dream come true. It’s so much more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The sweet, juicy peaches combined with perfectly cooked chicken create pure magic. It’s simple enough for any weeknight. Yet, it feels fancy enough for guests too. I hope you enjoy every single bite. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Happy grilling, everyone!
