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Honey Butter Peach Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

Honey Butter Peach Chicken is a savory and sweet dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich honey butter sauce with fresh peaches. Pancetta adds a smoky depth, while fresh herbs and garlic enhance the flavors. This oven-baked recipe is perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Seasonings

  • 2 tsp sea salt, divided
  • 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp oregano, divided
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika, divided

Meat and Poultry

  • 8 oz pancetta
  • 6 chicken thighs

Oils and Fats

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 stick of butter (approximately 8 Tbsp)

Produce

  • 1 large shallot
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 large peaches, sliced
  • Fresh basil (for topping)
  • Additional fresh thyme (for topping)

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly with half of the sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika on one side, then flip and season the other side with the remaining half. Set aside.
  2. Cook Pancetta: In a sauté pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it turns a dark red color and becomes crispy. Remove the pancetta and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Lightly wipe out the pan to prepare for the next step.
  3. Sear Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pan, then place the chicken thighs in the pan. Sear the chicken over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side depending on the thickness, just enough to get a light brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the same pan. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to soften. Add the grated or pressed garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes while stirring often.
  5. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let the broth cook and reduce slightly for about 3 minutes over medium heat, scraping continuously.
  6. Add Butter and Honey: Add the stick of butter and 1/2 cup honey to the pan. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestle them into the sauce, and add the fresh thyme sprigs.
  7. Bake Chicken: Spoon the sauce over the chicken thoroughly to coat. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
  8. Broil with Peaches: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and add the sliced peaches over and around the chicken. Spoon additional sauce over the peaches. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the peaches soften and start to caramelize. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, extra thyme, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste for a flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness.
  • Adjust the honey amount based on your preference for sweetness.
  • Keep an eye on the peaches while broiling as broiler heat intensity varies by oven.
  • If pancetta is unavailable, substitute with thick-cut bacon for a similar smoky flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: Honey Butter Peach Chicken, chicken thighs, honey butter sauce, baked chicken, summer peaches, pancetta chicken, savory sweet chicken

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/honey-butter-peach-chicken-recipe/