If you’re craving a dish that bursts with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, Grilled Chili Peach Chicken absolutely needs to be on your summer menu. Juicy chicken breasts soak up a tangy marinade, while fresh peaches caramelize on the grill and pair perfectly with the heat from chili garlic sauce. Every bite delivers a delightful combination of sticky, charred, and refreshing flavors—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull off, yet feels special enough for weekend cookouts or spontaneous al fresco dinners.

Grilled Chili Peach Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: Grilled Chili Peach Chicken comes together with everyday staples and a couple of fresh, seasonal highlights. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from adding savory heat to lending juicy, natural sweetness and vibrant color. Let’s take a closer look at your essentials:

Chicken Breasts: Go boneless and skinless for fast, even grilling and juicy, tender results.
Ripe Peaches: Choose firm-yet-fragrant peaches for grilling; they hold their shape and bring out the dish’s signature sweetness.
Peach Preserves: This adds luscious, sticky-sweet fruitiness to the marinade and amplifies peach flavor in every bite.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps everything moist and succulent on the grill.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Soy Sauce: Delivers savory depth and just the right amount of salty umami.
Chili Garlic Sauce (or Sriracha): For that bold, spicy punch—adjust to your heat preference for a gentle tingle or fiery kick!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic wakes up the whole marinade with aromatic depth.
Ginger: Use freshly grated for a pop of brightness and warmth in the flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp, it makes every flavor shine.
Black Pepper: Adds the perfect touch of sharp spice to round out the marinade.
Fresh Chopped Cilantro: Optional, but those bright green flecks add freshness and color when sprinkled over the finished dish.

How to Make Grilled Chili Peach Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the peach preserves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, freshly minced garlic, and that zingy grated ginger, along with salt and black pepper. This quick stir transforms easy pantry items and summer fruit into a complex, tantalizing marinade you’ll want to slather on everything. Remember to reserve a couple tablespoons for that final glossy brush during grilling—it’s the secret to irresistible caramelization!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a good-quality resealable bag. Pour that peachy, spicy marinade all over, turning the chicken so each piece is thoroughly coated. Slide the dish into the refrigerator and let the flavors develop for at least 30 minutes, or go for up to 8 hours for the juiciest, most flavorful results. This marinating time makes a huge difference!

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill

While the chicken finishes marinating, get your grill nice and hot—preheating to medium-high. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to lightly oil the grates, preventing sticking and giving you those dreamy grill marks. If you have wood chips or a charcoal grill on hand, this is your cue for some extra smoky magic.

Step 4: Grill Chicken and Peaches

Take the chicken out of the marinade (discard any leftover marinade that’s touched raw chicken) and place it on the hot grill. Cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until those gorgeous grill lines appear and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last 2 to 3 minutes, brush with the reserved marinade for maximum stickiness and flavor. Scatter the sliced peaches over the grill—just 1 to 2 minutes per side is enough to caramelize and soften them, bringing out their natural sugars.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the chicken breasts to a platter, heap the grilled peaches on top, and finish with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of herby contrast. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and smoky-sweet fruit is pure summer joy on a plate!

How to Serve Grilled Chili Peach Chicken

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a sprinkle of minced cilantro to wake up the colors and flavors of your Grilled Chili Peach Chicken just before serving. If cilantro isn’t your thing, try bright green scallions or thinly sliced fresh basil. For an extra pop, a squeeze of lime or a handful of toasted sesame seeds works beautifully too!

Side Dishes

This chicken begs for sides that soak up the sweet and spicy juices—think fluffy jasmine rice, buttery couscous, or a cool, crisp salad loaded with greens and avocado. Grilled corn on the cob or a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette make fantastic companions, balancing the dish’s richness with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your plating to the next level by slicing the grilled chicken before fanning it over the peaches, or serve it family-style on a big rustic board. Turn leftovers into a vibrant salad or tuck them into soft wraps with extra grilled peaches and baby greens for a gourmet lunch. For parties, skewer bite-sized pieces and peaches for dazzling appetizers—the colors alone will steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Grilled Chili Peach Chicken keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Pack the chicken and peaches together in an airtight container, making sure to let everything cool to room temperature before sealing. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even better for a quick lunch or light dinner!

Freezing

While the chicken itself freezes beautifully for up to three months, peaches tend to lose their texture after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy those fresh. For freezing, slice the chicken and wrap tightly, or store portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To gently reheat Grilled Chili Peach Chicken, place slices and peaches in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep everything moist, or microwave in short bursts until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain juiciness and that signature grilled flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a wonderfully juicy alternative, and their richer flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness and heat of the marinade. Just adjust grill time as thighs might take a minute or two longer.

How spicy is the Grilled Chili Peach Chicken?

The level of heat is really up to you! Using chili garlic sauce gives a gentle kick, while Sriracha offers milder warmth. Feel free to scale up or down based on your spice preference—a little extra is fantastic for heat-lovers.

What if I can’t find fresh peaches?

No worries—nectarines or even firm canned peach halves (well-drained) can stand in. Just make sure to pat canned peaches dry before grilling for best caramelization.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with one tiny note—ensure you’re using a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Every other ingredient in Grilled Chili Peach Chicken is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I prepare this on a stovetop grill pan?

You sure can! A well-oiled cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat delivers delicious results if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just make sure to ventilate your kitchen and watch the cooking time closely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s impossibly easy yet makes you look like a grilling superstar, Grilled Chili Peach Chicken is your ticket. Its balance of sweet peaches, zesty marinade, and charred flavor is pure summer happiness on a plate. Give it a try the next time you fire up the grill—one taste, and you’ll want to make it all season long!

Grilled Chili Peach Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for Grilled Chili Peach Chicken brings a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors to your dinner table. Juicy peaches and a flavorful marinade enhance grilled chicken breasts, creating a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

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For the Marinade:

1/4 cup peach preserves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha for milder heat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Mix the Marinade: Combine peach preserves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons for later.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a dish, pour remaining marinade over it, and marinate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
Preheat and Grill: Preheat grill, oil grates, grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side. Brush with reserved marinade. Grill peaches for 1–2 minutes per side.
Serve: Top chicken with grilled peaches and cilantro if desired.