When the kitchen’s hot, and dinner needs to be fast, I lean on this sweet and savory trick: chicken with peaches. It’s juicy, golden-seared chicken nestled between slices of honey-kissed peaches, all in a skillet that practically cleans itself. One pan. Thirty minutes. And a meal that feels like summer on a plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken with peaches brings together the best parts of summer. You get that sweet caramelized fruit balanced with savory, spiced chicken. And guess what? It all comes together in one skillet.
So there’s:
- Minimal cleanup
- Dinner in 30 minutes
- Family-friendly flavor
- Gluten-free and high in protein
Plus, it reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1.4 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Peaches & Glaze
- 2 medium yellow peaches (keep the skin!)
- 3 tbsp honey (add more if needed)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp butter
For Garnish
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Optional: chopped basil for extra brightness
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken with Peaches
1. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub them with chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You want that seasoning to really cling.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium. After 2 minutes, add the olive oil. Lay the chicken in the pan and let it sizzle undisturbed for 5 minutes. This gives you that golden crust.
3. Finish cooking
Flip the chicken. Lower the heat a bit and cook another 5–6 minutes until done. Check for no pink inside or use a thermometer (165°F). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Sauté the peaches
Toss the sliced peaches right into that same skillet. No need to clean it — those chicken bits add flavor. Let them cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
5. Make the honey-lemon glaze
Add the honey, lemon juice, and butter. Stir gently. The glaze will bubble a bit and coat the peaches.
6. Bring it all together
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some of that glaze over the top. Let it all heat through for a minute or two.
7. Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Scatter fresh thyme on top. Serve right from the skillet for rustic charm.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Use firm yellow peaches. Too ripe and they’ll fall apart.
- Don’t peel them. The skin holds shape, adds color, and a little fiber.
- No bone-in chicken. It’ll take too long and cook unevenly.
- Avoid crowding the pan. If needed, cook chicken in batches.
- Add more lemon juice if you like extra tang.
Want a richer chicken dinner another night? Try this creamy oven-baked chicken thigh recipe — it’s pure comfort.
Storage & Reheating
This dish stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Store in an airtight container.
To reheat, use:
- Microwave: 30-second bursts
- Stovetop: Low heat with a splash of olive oil
I don’t recommend freezing it. The peaches get mushy, and the chicken dries out.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can stand on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try pairing with:
- Spinach or peach-arugula-tomato salad
- Roasted veggies (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini)
- Garlic or olive oil pasta
- Cauliflower rice or herb quinoa
- Crusty garlic bread or olive bread
Or for a bright, seasonal side, serve it with this summer peach salad or this fresh peach salsa for extra color and contrast.
Chicken with Peaches Recipe Card
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Chicken with Peaches – Quick, Flavorful, Amazing One-Pan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy chicken thighs seared golden and paired with sweet peaches in a honey-lemon glaze — all in one skillet and just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
**For the Chicken:**
1.4 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ tsp chili powder (or more)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
**For the Peaches & Glaze:**
2 medium yellow peaches (washed, cored, sliced)
3 tbsp honey (or more)
½ lemon, freshly squeezed (or more)
2 tbsp butter
**For Garnish:**
Fresh thyme (or basil)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium for 2 minutes.
3. Add olive oil and place chicken thighs in the pan. Sear 5 minutes without moving.
4. Flip and reduce to low-medium heat. Cook 5 more minutes until done. Remove from skillet.
5. Add sliced peaches to the same skillet and cook 5 minutes on medium.
6. Add honey, lemon juice, and butter. Stir gently to create a glaze.
7. Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces between peaches.
8. Heat briefly, then top with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
Use firm yellow peaches for best texture.
Do not peel peaches — the skin adds color and structure.
Avoid bone-in chicken as it takes longer to cook.
Fresh thyme or basil adds a fragrant finish.
Add extra lemon juice if you prefer a tangier glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Peach Recipes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re into skillet dinners, don’t miss this easy skillet chicken in garlic cream sauce. It’s another reliable weeknight winner.
FAQ
Are peaches good for chicken?
Yes! Their natural sweetness balances the savory, juicy chicken perfectly — especially when lightly caramelized in a skillet.
What fruit goes well with chicken?
Besides peaches, you can use apricots, plums, figs, or even apples. They all pair beautifully with herbs and seasoned meats.
What meat goes well with peaches?
Chicken, pork, and duck are top choices. Each soaks up the peachy glaze in a slightly different way, but all taste amazing.
What is a good side dish for peach chicken?
Try roasted veggies, herbed quinoa, or a summery green salad. Garlic bread also makes a great scoop for that glaze.
Final Thoughts
This chicken with peaches brings together all the best parts of a summer meal — fast, bright, and full of flavor. It’s warm and comforting but still light enough for August nights. The savory-sweet combo might just surprise you in the best way.
So give it a try. One skillet, thirty minutes, and a dish worth repeating. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. You can always find me sharing more simple meals over on Pinterest or Facebook.