Introduction

This Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy peach marinade. Grilled to perfection and glazed with a savory sauce, it’s a delightful dish perfect for summer dinners or weekend barbecues.

Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
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
2-4 medium peaches, halved and pitted (optional, for garnish and serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish or a large resealable plastic bag and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, soy sauce, peach whiskey, olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Reserve half of the marinade and refrigerate it. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal, then refrigerate to marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) using the indirect heat method. Lightly grease the grill grates.
Step 5: Shake off excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the hot grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 6: (Optional) Brush the cut side of the peaches with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 3 minutes, until char marks develop. Set aside.
Step 7: While the chicken cooks, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm through and remove from heat.
Step 8: Brush the grilled chicken with the warmed marinade glaze. Garnish with grilled peaches if using, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the marinade.
If you don’t have peach whiskey, substitute with bourbon or skip it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
The grilled peaches add a lovely touch, but fresh sliced peaches also work well if you prefer no grill time for the fruit.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled chicken and peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave and brush with reserved marinade for added moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and will make the marinating process quicker.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the chicken on an indoor grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, basting with reserved marinade to keep it flavorful and moist.

Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Saucy Grilled Peach Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of peach preserves, soy sauce, peach whiskey, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection and finished with a luscious peach glaze, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 31 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

Marinade

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
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

2–4 medium peaches, halved and pitted
Olive oil for brushing peaches

Instructions

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 to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure even cooking. Transfer the chicken to a shallow baking dish or resealable plastic bag and set aside.
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, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until combined. Reserve half of this marinade and refrigerate it for later use.
Marinate the chicken: Pour the remaining marinade over the prepared chicken. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to absorb maximum flavor.
Preheat and prepare the grill: Set up your grill using indirect heat and preheat to 400°F (medium-high heat). Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place the chicken breasts onto the hot grill grates. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove from grill and let rest on a serving platter for a few minutes.
Grill the peaches (optional): Brush the cut sides of peach halves with olive oil. Place peaches cut-side down on the grill for about 3 minutes, until char marks form. Remove and set aside.
Simmer the reserved marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and add 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to loosen. Heat over medium-low heat and simmer gently for a few minutes until it is warmed through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Glaze the chicken and serve: Brush the grilled chicken breasts with the warmed marinade sauce. Garnish with the grilled peaches if desired. Serve immediately alongside your preferred side dishes. Enjoy your flavorful saucy grilled peach chicken!

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
If you don’t have peach whiskey, substitute with peach nectar or another fruit-flavored whiskey for a similar flavor.
Grilling peaches is optional but adds a lovely smoky sweetness and attractive presentation.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.

Keywords: grilled chicken, peach chicken, peach preserves, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, BBQ chicken