This tasty Healthy Peach Chicken Picante features juicy chicken cooked with sweet peaches and a zesty sauce. It’s a fun and colorful dish that will make your dinner feel special!
Honestly, who knew chicken and peaches could be such a great pair? I love serving this over rice or quinoa for a yummy twist. You’ll want seconds for sure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish healthy. You can swap them for chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use turkey if you like. For a plant-based alternative, try chickpeas or tofu.
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring sweetness, but if they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches. Just make sure they’re in juice, not syrup, and drain them well. Mangos are a lovely alternative too!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes make the dish vibrant, but you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes if they’re more convenient. Look for no-salt-added versions to keep it healthier.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for sautéing because of its rich flavor. You could also use avocado oil or coconut oil if you prefer other cooking oils.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right is crucial to avoid dryness. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- Start with medium-high heat to get a good sear. This helps lock in moisture.
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece to check that the inside is no longer pink.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep the juices in, making it more tender!
How to Make Healthy Peach Chicken Picante
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fruits: 3 large ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
- Tomatoes: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, preferably fresh or no-salt-added canned
- Veggies: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Cooked brown rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. It’s a quick and healthy option for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked all the way through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if you like some heat). Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions become soft and fragrant. This adds a lovely flavor base for the dish!
3. Add the Peaches and Tomatoes:
Next, add the diced tomatoes and chopped peaches to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the peaches to soften a bit and mix nicely with the other ingredients.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is where you can make the dish just perfect for your taste!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the peach chicken picante hot over a bed of cooked brown rice. Don’t forget to garnish with extra fresh cilantro for that burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this healthy and vibrant dish!
There you have it! A delightful, nutritious meal that brings sweetness and spice together in a wonderful way. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Healthy Peach Chicken Picante
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or by using the cold water method—just submerge it in a sealed bag in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Replace Peaches with Another Fruit?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or substitute with ripe mangoes for a similar sweet flavor. Pineapple also works well for a tangy twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick!
