This quick one-pan meal features juicy chicken cooked with sweet peaches, making dinner easy and tasty. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish to share.
It’s like summer on a plate! I love how the chicken gets all the yummy peach flavors. Plus, less cleanup means more time to relax. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I usually go for thighs because they stay juicy and have great flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need a little more cooking time to stay moist.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a lovely sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can use canned peaches in juice, just be sure to drain them first. Also, nectarines work well if you can’t find peaches!
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking, but feel free to use avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you want a different flavor. Both work just as well!
Seasonings: The smoked paprika gives a nice depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can add a different, but still tasty kick.
Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a wonderful aroma to the dish; however, you can substitute with dried thyme in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked While Keeping it Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is cooking it over medium-high heat, so it browns nicely but also stays moist inside. Here’s how to make sure it turns out great:
- First, always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps with browning.
- Cook chicken in a hot skillet without overcrowding to achieve that nice golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender.
By following these steps, you’ll avoid dry chicken and enjoy every bite of your one-pan meal!
Easy 30-Minute Chicken with Peaches One-Pan Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful one-pan meal takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes of cooking time. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning:
Start by gathering a small bowl and mixing together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the chicken a flavorful kick!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken to ensure they are well-seasoned.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re browned and nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Peaches:
Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the peach wedges and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize, bringing out their natural sweetness.
5. Add Thyme and Honey:
Add the fresh thyme leaves to the pan along with honey (if using). Stir gently to combine everything for those wonderful flavors to meld together.
6. Combine Chicken and Peaches:
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it among the sautéed peaches. Cook everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (check for 165°F internal temperature) and the peaches are tender.
7. Finish and Serve:
Optionally, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish for an extra burst of brightness. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve the meal warm. Enjoy!
This one-pan recipe perfectly balances savory chicken with sweet, caramelized peaches and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful meal everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy 30-Minute Chicken with Peaches One-Pan Meal
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken if it’s thawed beforehand. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by placing the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Peaches?
If peaches aren’t available, you can use nectarines or even canned peaches drained from their syrup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as canned peaches may need less time to warm through.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until the chicken is heated through and peaches are warm again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to prepare this dish fresh. However, you can marinate the chicken with the spice rub a few hours beforehand and prep the peaches to save time. Just cook everything together when you’re ready to eat!
