These Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Tender chicken cubes are marinated with a peach glaze, complemented by juicy peaches and spicy jalapenos. Whether cooked in an air fryer, oven, or grilled, these skewers are a delicious and easy summer dish, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Skewers:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 yellow peaches, quartered, then halved (32 pieces)

  • 3 medium jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded, and cut into chunks

  • 15 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

• For the Peach Glaze:

  • ½ cup peach preserves

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, and olive oil to coat evenly.

2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken, peach, and jalapeno chunks onto each skewer, alternating between them.

3. Cook the Skewers:

   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Brush the skewers with olive oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 11-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

   • Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

   • Grill: Grill on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Prepare the Peach Glaze: While the skewers are cooking, combine the peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until warmed through.

5. Glaze the Skewers: Once the skewers are cooked, brush them generously with the peach glaze. Serve warm.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 skewer

• Calories: 168 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Sugar: 11g

A Sweet and Spicy Fusion

The beauty of Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers lies in the combination of two contrasting flavors: the sweetness of the peaches and the heat from the jalapenos. Peaches, with their juicy, honeyed sweetness, provide a refreshing contrast to the fiery spiciness of the jalapenos. The peaches also help keep the chicken tender and juicy during cooking, making each bite flavorful and moist. The jalapenos bring a mild to moderate heat, depending on how much of the pepper’s seeds are used, and the combination with the sweet peach glaze creates a mouthwatering fusion that’s both surprising and satisfying.

This blend of sweet and spicy is a popular flavor combination, particularly in summer dishes. The fruitiness of peaches adds a tropical vibe, while the kick from jalapenos creates the perfect balance, making each skewer a burst of flavor. It’s a delightful dish that’s great for those who enjoy the complexity of sweet and spicy profiles.

Versatile Cooking Methods

One of the great things about Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers is their versatility in terms of cooking methods. Whether you prefer the convenience of an air fryer, the even cooking of a traditional oven, or the smoky char of grilling, this recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences.

• Air Fryer: For those looking for a quick and easy method, cooking the skewers in an air fryer is a perfect option. The air fryer delivers a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside, all while reducing the amount of oil used. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 11-12 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Oven: If you prefer using your oven, this method also works wonderfully. Simply preheat to 375°F (190°C), place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

• Grill: For a smoky, charred flavor, grilling these skewers adds a deliciously crispy texture to the chicken and vegetables. Grill the skewers on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the peaches and jalapenos have a nice caramelized edge.

Each cooking method provides a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what equipment you have and the type of finish you prefer.

Peach Glaze: The Secret to the Flavor

While the skewers themselves are packed with flavor, it’s the peach glaze that truly elevates the dish. The glaze, made with peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes, adds a layer of sweetness and tanginess that coats the chicken perfectly. The combination of the rich peach preserves and the subtle heat from the red pepper flakes gives the glaze a complex, well-rounded flavor.

The soy sauce adds umami depth, while the apple cider vinegar brings a slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the sweetness of the peaches. Dijon mustard contributes a bit of sharpness, balancing out the glaze’s sweetness. As the skewers cook, this glaze thickens and caramelizes slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that enhances the overall dish.

While the skewers cook, you can prepare the glaze in a saucepan, allowing it to simmer and infuse all the flavors together. Once the skewers are ready, brushing them generously with the warm peach glaze just before serving adds that final burst of flavor that ties everything together.

Perfect for Any Gathering

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers are not only a fantastic weeknight dinner option but also make an excellent appetizer for parties and gatherings. Their eye-catching colors, with the vibrant yellows of peaches and the deep greens of jalapenos, make them visually appealing. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them perfect for casual get-togethers, BBQs, or as part of a tapas-style spread. You can also make them in advance and serve them at room temperature, or keep them warm on a serving platter.

These skewers are also highly customizable. For instance, you can adjust the level of spiciness by using fewer or more jalapenos, or swap them out for milder peppers if you’re serving guests with different spice tolerance levels. You can also substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

A Healthier Option for Grilling Season

Not only are these Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers delicious, but they also provide a healthier alternative to many heavier, deep-fried appetizers or grilled dishes. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the peaches add a natural sweetness that’s lower in calories than many sugar-laden sauces or marinades. The minimal amount of oil used for marinating and brushing the skewers keeps the dish light and flavorful, while the addition of fresh vegetables (peaches and jalapenos) boosts the nutritional value.

Each skewer provides approximately 168 calories, with 21 grams of protein and only 6 grams of fat. The carbohydrates come primarily from the peaches and the peach glaze, contributing to a balanced, satisfying dish that doesn’t feel heavy or overly indulgent.

Conclusion

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers offer a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you cook them in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, they’re sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering or casual weeknight dinner. The peach glaze brings an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken, juicy peaches, and spicy jalapenos. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these skewers are a must-try dish that will impress both family and guests alike.