Description
Honey Butter Peach Chicken is a delightful and savory dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a luscious honey butter sauce, complemented by sweet, juicy peaches. The combination of herbs and spices with the rich sauce and fresh fruit creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and elegant, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 8 oz. turkey strips
- 6 chicken thighs
Produce
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 large shallot
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Fresh basil and additional fresh thyme for topping
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 stick of butter (about 8 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup honey
Spices & 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the chicken later on, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with half of the sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, oregano, and paprika to infuse them with flavor upfront.
- Sauté Turkey Strips: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey strips until they are dark red and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear Chicken Thighs: Using the same skillet, sear the seasoned chicken thighs for 1 to 2 minutes on each side to develop a golden crust, locking in juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken and add the sliced shallots and grated garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, which enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in the butter and honey and cook until everything is melted and well combined, creating a rich sauce.
- Bake Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them evenly, and place in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to cook through and meld flavors.
- Add Peaches and Broil: After baking, place the sliced peaches on top of the chicken and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the peaches soften and caramelize slightly, adding sweetness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil and thyme sprigs, and serve warm to enjoy the full combination of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use fresh peaches for the best natural sweetness and texture. If out of season, frozen peaches can be a substitute but may alter texture slightly.
- To reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt levels to taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to achieve better searing and crust formation.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
