This chicken with peaches recipe is a beautiful mix of savory and sweet. I love how the juicy, tender chicken thighs pair perfectly with caramelized peaches in a honey-lemon glaze. Fresh thyme or basil ties everything together, creating a dish that feels both summery and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s both elegant and easy. The seared chicken brings a savory depth, while the peaches add a fresh sweetness that balances everything out. The honey glaze thickens into a glossy sauce, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh peaches when they’re in season, and it cooks in just one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or chicken tenders)
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Olive oil
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Chili powder
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh firm yellow peaches (unpeeled, sliced)
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Honey
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Freshly squeezed lemon juice
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Butter
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Fresh thyme or fresh basil
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken thighs with chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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In a large skillet (cast iron works best), I heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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I sear the chicken thighs for several minutes on each side until fully cooked through.
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I remove the chicken to a plate and add the sliced peaches to the same skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
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I stir in honey, lemon juice, and butter, letting it create a glossy, sticky glaze.
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I return the chicken to the pan, nestling it between the peaches, and top everything with fresh thyme or basil.
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I let it all warm together for another minute or two before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, so dinner can be ready in about 30 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes swap thyme for fresh rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
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For a little heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes when cooking the peaches.
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I can use nectarines instead of peaches for a slightly different sweetness.
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If I want extra sauce, I double the honey, lemon juice, and butter.
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I occasionally add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken for a richer glaze.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t freeze this dish since the peaches become mushy. To reheat, I use the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, or I warm it in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but I watch the cooking time closely since chicken breasts dry out faster.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
No, I keep the skin on for color, texture, and extra fiber.
Can I make this with frozen peaches?
I prefer fresh peaches for the best texture, but if I use frozen, I thaw and pat them dry first.
What herbs go best with this dish?
I love thyme or basil, but rosemary or tarragon also work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
I can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Conclusion
I enjoy making chicken with peaches because it’s such a flavorful, vibrant dish that comes together quickly. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet peaches, and tangy honey-lemon glaze is hard to beat, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive summer meal for guests.
PrintChicken with Peaches
This Chicken with Peaches is a flavorful one-pan dinner that pairs juicy chicken thighs with sweet caramelized peaches and a glossy honey-lemon glaze. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil elevate this 30-minute meal, making it a perfect balance of fresh, summery flavors and comforting richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or chicken tenders)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 fresh firm yellow peaches, unpeeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh thyme or fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for several minutes on each side until fully cooked; remove and set aside.
- Add peaches to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in honey, lemon juice, and butter; cook until a glossy glaze forms.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestle among peaches, and sprinkle with fresh thyme or basil.
- Warm through for 1–2 minutes and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap thyme for rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- Nectarines make a great substitute for peaches.
- Double honey, lemon juice, and butter for extra sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine for richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with peaches and sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg