Description
This Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken is a must-try summer recipe that brings together smoky, savory grilled chicken and a tangy-sweet peach glaze. Infused with a peach marinade that doubles as a sauce, the chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a rich peach-infused sauce. Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or impressing your guests, this dish captures the best of summer flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
For the Marinade/Sauce:
¾ cup peach preserves
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup peach-flavored whiskey (e.g., Crown Royale)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Garnish (Optional):
2–4 medium peaches, halved & pitted
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½-inch. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish or large resealable plastic bag and set aside. - Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine peach preserves, soy sauce, peach whiskey, olive oil, dark brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined. Reserve half of the marinade and refrigerate it for later. - Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor. - Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly grease the grill grates. Shake off excess marinade and place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a platter and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. - Step 5: Grill the Peaches (Optional)
If using, brush the cut side of the peaches with olive oil and grill, cut-side down, for about 3 minutes or until grill marks form. Set aside. - Step 6: Simmer the Reserved Marinade
While the chicken rests, place the reserved marinade in a small saucepan with 1-2 tablespoons of water (to loosen, if needed). Simmer over medium-low heat for a few minutes until warmed through, then remove from heat. - Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Brush the grilled chicken with the simmered marinade. Garnish with grilled peaches, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance to let the flavors soak in.
- Grill Marks on Peaches: For an extra sweet caramelized touch, be sure to grill the peaches until they have nice char marks, adding even more depth to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
