Introduction

Honey Butter Peach Chicken is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, combining tender chicken thighs with rich butter, fragrant herbs, and juicy peaches. This dish delivers comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, making it an excellent choice for a weekday dinner or a special occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a white pot filled with a cooked dish. There are several pieces of browned chicken mixed with golden-brown potato wedges, all coated in a rich, dark sauce with visible herbs like fresh green basil and thyme scattered on top. The texture of the chicken looks crispy and juicy, while the potatoes appear soft and tender. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the food, and the pot is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture next to a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tsp. sea salt, divided
1 tsp. fresh cracked pepper, divided
1 tsp. oregano, divided
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika, divided
8 oz. pancetta
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
6 chicken thighs
1 large shallot
3 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
1 cup chicken broth
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup honey
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 large peaches, sliced
Fresh basil and additional fresh thyme for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken thighs by dividing the sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika in half, applying evenly on both sides. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: In a sauté pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it turns a dark red color. Remove the pancetta and excess oil with a paper towel and set it on a plate. Lightly wipe out the pan.
Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then cook the chicken over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Sauté the chopped shallots for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the grated garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes over medium heat, continuing to scrape the pan.
Step 6: Stir in the butter and honey, mixing until the butter is fully melted. Return the chicken to the pan and add the fresh thyme sprigs.
Step 7: Spoon the sauce over the chicken thoroughly, then cover the pan and place it in the oven. Cook for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven, add the sliced peaches, and spoon sauce over the chicken and peaches. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the peaches soften and start to caramelize. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil, extra thyme, and additional sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter touch, drizzle a bit more honey over the peaches before broiling.
Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
Adding a splash of white wine when deglazing can add extra depth to the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve the buttery sauce and peach texture.

How to Serve

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds a colorful dish with five pieces of grilled, slightly charred chicken topped with a bright mango salsa that has red tomatoes, green herbs, and small white onions, giving a fresh and juicy look. The chicken pieces are arranged in a circle with a small white bowl filled with extra salsa in the middle. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed around the chicken, adding a pop of color. Some fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on the plate and around it, adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

While fresh peaches are best for this dish due to their firm texture, you can use frozen peaches if fresh are unavailable. Thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before adding to avoid excess liquid.

Is it possible to make this recipe without pancetta?

Yes, you can omit pancetta for a lighter dish. The flavor might be less smoky, but the combination of herbs, honey, and butter will still create a delicious sauce.