This grilled chicken served with peach chipotle salsa is fresh and tasty. The sweet peaches mixed with a little kick from chipotle make each bite exciting and flavorful!
I love making this for summer BBQs; it impresses guests and is fun to eat! Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare—just grill and top with your salsa. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. You could swap them with thighs for a juicier option. If you want a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches really shine in this sauce. If peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches; just drain them well. Apricots could work too, though they may taste a bit different.
Chipotle Peppers: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your spice preference. If you don’t have chipotles, smoked paprika is a milder alternative. For a sweeter note, you could skip the heat and just use sweet bell peppers instead.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness to the sauce. Agave syrup or maple syrup could be great substitutes if you’re looking for alternatives. Keep in mind, maple syrup has a more robust flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice is a perfect substitute. Just be mindful that lemons are a bit more tart!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few steps, you can nail it! The key is to start with well-prepped chicken, seasoned and ready to go.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this is important for good cooking.
- Oiling grill grates prevents sticking. Use a paper towel dipped in oil to give them a light coat.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping only once. This helps get those nice grill marks.
- Don’t skip the resting step after grilling! It allows juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
Trust me, these tips will help you serve up juicy, flavorful grilled chicken every time!
How to Make Grilled Chicken With Peach Chipotle Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Peach Chipotle Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to make and serve this delightful grilled chicken dish with peach chipotle sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil. Just a little oil will do!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice mixture will add great flavor to your chicken! Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
4. Make the Peach Chipotle Sauce:
While the chicken rests, grab a saucepan and combine the diced peaches, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice in it. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften and everything is heated through.
5. Serve it Up:
Now, it’s time to serve! Place the grilled chicken on plates and generously top it with the peach chipotle sauce. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with chopped cilantro.
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Pair your flavorful grilled chicken with rice or your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it properly before grilling. Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for the best results, or use the quick method of placing sealed chicken in cold water for about 1-2 hours. This ensures even cooking and enhances flavor absorption from the spice rub.
What if I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
No worries! If peaches are out of season or unavailable, you can substitute with canned peaches in juice or syrup. Just drain and rinse them before dicing. Alternatively, fresh nectarines or apricots would work well too; they will provide a similar sweetness and texture to your sauce.
How to Store Leftover Peach Chipotle Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Use it within 1-2 months for the best flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator or gently reheat on the stove before serving.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! To make the sauce milder, use only one chipotle pepper and taste as you go, adding more if needed. You can also add a bit of extra honey or a touch of cream to tame the heat. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more minced chipotle or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
