Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken Recipe
This Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of peach preserves, soy sauce, and peach-flavored whiskey, then grilled to perfection and finished with a delicious peach glaze. Perfect as a sweet and savory main dish, it can be garnished with grilled peaches for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Marinade
- ¾ cup peach preserves
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup peach flavored whiskey (such as 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
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2–4 medium peaches, halved and pitted
- Olive oil, for brushing peaches
- Prep chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them evenly to about ½-inch thickness. Transfer the chicken to a shallow baking dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together peach preserves, soy sauce, peach whiskey, olive oil, dark brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined. Reserve half of the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts, tossing to coat them evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for indirect heat and preheat it to 400°F (medium-high heat). Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Shake off excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the hot grill. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly on a serving platter.
- Grill the peaches (optional): Brush peach halves with olive oil and place cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 3 minutes or until char marks appear. Remove and set aside.
- Simmer the reserved marinade: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the reserved marinade and 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to loosen. Simmer for a few minutes until warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Glaze and serve: Brush the grilled chicken breasts with the warm simmered marinade. Garnish with grilled peaches if desired. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides and enjoy your Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- The peach preserves and peach whiskey add a sweet and fruity twist, but you can substitute whiskey with peach schnapps or omit alcohol for a family-friendly version.
- Grilled peaches are optional but add a lovely smoky sweetness and make for a beautiful presentation.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe can also be prepared using chicken thighs if preferred.
Keywords: grilled chicken, peach chicken, summer chicken recipe, peach marinade, grilled peaches, fruit glazed chicken, BBQ chicken