This Chicken with Peaches is one of my favorite summer-inspired dishes that’s both quick and surprisingly elegant. It’s a beautiful blend of savory and sweet, with juicy peaches adding a fresh, fruity twist to golden, seared chicken. Everything cooks in one pan, making it perfect for weeknights when I want something delicious without a mountain of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly this dish comes together. The peaches caramelize slightly as they cook, and when they mix with the savory juices of the chicken, the result is a sauce that’s light, bright, and packed with flavor. It feels like something I’d order at a restaurant, but it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh, ripe peaches during the summer months.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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Fresh peaches, sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
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Olive oil
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh thyme or rosemary
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Balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
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Chicken broth
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Honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
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Salt and pepper
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Butter (optional, for finishing)
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I reduce the heat slightly and add the garlic and herbs, cooking just until fragrant.
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I stir in the sliced peaches and let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
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I add balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and a drizzle of honey (if using), stirring everything together.
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I return the chicken to the pan and simmer everything for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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For a silky finish, I swirl in a small pat of butter before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
Variations
I’ve swapped peaches for nectarines or plums, and it works beautifully. Sometimes I use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, adjusting the cook time accordingly. For a touch of heat, I add a few red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. And when I want it creamier, I stir in a splash of cream right at the end.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I prefer the skillet for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
I have in a pinch, but I drain them well and choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties. Fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, though.
What kind of chicken works best?
I prefer boneless thighs for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts also work if I’m careful not to overcook them.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but I usually wait to add the peaches until reheating so they don’t get too soft. The chicken and sauce hold up well in the fridge.
What should I serve with chicken and peaches?
I like serving it with rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. A green salad or roasted veggies round out the meal nicely.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely. I’ve grilled the chicken separately and made the peach sauce on the stove—it still turns out amazing with that smoky flavor from the grill.
Conclusion
This Chicken with Peaches recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something totally unforgettable. It’s quick, fresh, and full of contrast—from the golden chicken to the sweet, juicy fruit. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just making a weeknight dinner feel a little special, this one-pan wonder always delivers.
Chicken with Peaches – Quick, Flavorful, Amazing One-Pan
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A quick and flavorful one-pan chicken dish paired with juicy peaches, fresh herbs, and a light, savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a summer-inspired dinner in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop (One-Pan)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2–3 fresh peaches, sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat slightly. Add garlic and herbs to the pan, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add peach slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey (if using). Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens slightly.
- For extra richness, swirl in butter before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use fresh peaches for best flavor, but canned peaches (unsweetened or lightly sweetened) can work in a pinch.
- Nectarines or plums make great substitutes for peaches.
- For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs (adjust cooking time).
- Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Stir in cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (with sauce)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg