The Peach Marinade: Sweet and Savory

The marinade for this chicken is where the magic happens. Peach preserves serve as the base, infusing the chicken with natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of soy sauce and Dijon mustard. The apple cider vinegar adds tang and balances out the sweetness, while the minced garlic adds an aromatic depth. The red pepper flakes bring a hint of heat to the dish, making it both sweet and savory, with just a slight kick. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it, ensuring the meat is juicy and full of flavor.

Searing and Roasting: Perfectly Cooked Chicken

The process of searing the chicken breasts before roasting them ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Searing the chicken over medium-high heat locks in the flavors from the marinade and creates a deliciously crispy texture. Once the chicken is seared, it’s roasted in the oven with sliced fresh peaches and a drizzle of the reserved marinade, which adds even more flavor to the dish. Roasting the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, while the peaches soften and caramelize, adding sweetness and juiciness to the dish.

How to Make Roasted Peach Chicken

This Roasted Peach Chicken is simple to prepare with just a few key ingredients and easy steps. Here’s how to make it:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside half of the marinade for serving. Add the chicken breasts and sliced red onion to a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the remaining marinade over, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.

2. Sear and Roast the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear the marinated chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Pour the reserved peach marinade over the chicken, add the sliced peaches on top, and arrange the remaining peaches around the chicken in the skillet.

3. Roast the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.

4. Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Serve the chicken with the roasted peaches and sauce, drizzling any extra juices over the chicken for added flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Roasted Peach Chicken

Each serving of Roasted Peach Chicken provides approximately 522 calories, making it a well-rounded meal. With 38 grams of protein, this dish is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall body function. The 50 grams of carbohydrates come primarily from the natural sugars in the peach preserves and the peaches themselves, providing a good amount of energy. The dish also contains 18 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat from the olive oil, which adds a healthy fat element to the meal. The 842mg of sodium helps to balance the seasoning in the marinade, while the 443mg of potassium supports muscle and heart health.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Peach Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With Rice: Serve the chicken and peaches over a bed of fluffy rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) to soak up the delicious peach sauce.

• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts complement the sweetness of the peaches and the savory chicken.

• With a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a fresh green salad, topped with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.

• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent side to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and peaches.

Conclusion

Roasted Peach Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the sweet, summery flavors of peaches together with the savory richness of marinated chicken. The combination of peach preserves, tangy apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced and flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with delicious taste. Whether you grill, roast, or bake it, this dish is sure to be a hit, and when served with rice or vegetables, it makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy the bright flavors of this crowd-pleasing dish on any occasion!