Grilled Peach Chicken with Chili Garlic Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the sweet juiciness of peaches with a spicy kick from the chili garlic sauce. This easy, quick recipe is perfect for summer grilling, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a fast and satisfying meal, with no cleanup required.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 ½ cups peach preserves

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)

• ⅓ cup chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Chicken:

• About 2.5 to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (roughly 4 medium breasts)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

• Optional peppers (jalapeno, serrano, habanero, etc.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together peach preserves, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag. Pour three-quarters of the marinade into the bag and seal. Squish the contents around to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.

3. Grill the Chicken:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping intermittently. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C); it will rise to 165°F (74°C) as it rests.

4. Brush with Marinade:
   While grilling, occasionally brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for added flavor.

5. Serve:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional peppers if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 660

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 72g

• Fat: 13g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 193mg

• Sodium: 1035mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 40g

The Flavorful Marinade

The key to this grilled chicken’s bold flavor lies in the marinade. By combining peach preserves, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and a few other ingredients, this marinade strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Peach preserves bring a fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the savory umami from the soy sauce, while the chili garlic sauce adds a spicy kick that brings the dish to life.

Other ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt add depth and acidity, rounding out the marinade’s flavor profile. The combination of sweet and spicy creates a complex taste that makes every bite of grilled chicken exciting and satisfying.

Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

To get the most flavor out of your chicken, it’s important to let it marinate properly. The chicken breasts should be placed in a zip-top plastic bag and coated with the marinade. For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or for a more intense flavor, marinate it overnight. The marinade seeps into the chicken, enhancing the taste and keeping the meat tender and juicy when grilled.

While marinating, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sweet peach preserves and the spicy chili garlic sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. If you have time, you can even reserve some of the marinade to brush over the chicken while it’s grilling, adding even more depth and flavor as it cooks.

Grilling the Chicken

Grilling is one of the best ways to cook chicken, especially when it comes to Grilled Peach Chicken with Chili Garlic Sauce. The grill imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches and the heat from the chili garlic sauce. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is perfect for getting those ideal grill marks and caramelizing the marinade on the chicken.

The chicken breasts should be grilled for about 10 minutes, flipping them intermittently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 160°F (71°C), and it will continue to rise to 165°F (74°C) while it rests, making it perfectly juicy and safe to eat. During grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to add extra flavor and keep the chicken moist.

Garnishing and Serving

Once your chicken is perfectly grilled, it’s time to garnish and serve. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness that balances the spiciness of the chili garlic sauce. For an extra touch of heat, you can also top the chicken with sliced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or habaneros, depending on your heat preference. The peppers add a vibrant pop of color and an additional layer of spice to the dish.

Serve this grilled chicken with a side of rice, vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Its balance of sweet and spicy flavors will complement a wide range of sides, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Perfect for Quick Summer Meals

One of the best aspects of Grilled Peach Chicken with Chili Garlic Sauce is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just 10 minutes of grilling time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time. This makes it an excellent choice for busy summer evenings when you want something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The prep work for the marinade is simple, and you can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Since the marinade is sweet, savory, and spicy, it works wonderfully with grilled vegetables, potatoes, or even a light summer salad. This dish is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and unforgettable flavor profile.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Peach Chicken

Not only is this dish flavorful, but it also packs a substantial amount of protein. Each serving of Grilled Peach Chicken with Chili Garlic Sauce contains approximately 72g of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build or maintain muscle. The chicken is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, phosphorus, and niacin.

While the dish has a higher sodium content due to the soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, it’s still a relatively healthy option. The peach preserves provide a natural sweetness, while the olive oil adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health. With only 660 calories per serving, this dish can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Spicy Grilled Delight

In conclusion, Grilled Peach Chicken with Chili Garlic Sauce is a standout dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of peaches with the fiery heat of chili garlic sauce. The peach preserves provide a touch of natural sweetness, while the chili garlic sauce offers just the right amount of spice, making every bite flavorful and exciting. Whether you’re grilling in your backyard or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish is a delicious option that’s sure to please. The quick prep, minimal cleanup, and vibrant flavors make it a perfect addition to any summer meal.