Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers: A Perfect Blend of Sweet Heat and Juicy Flavor

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors. With the combination of juicy chicken, sweet peaches, and a kick of spicy jalapeno, these skewers offer a flavor explosion that is both exciting and satisfying. The addition of a homemade peach glaze brings everything together, adding a tangy, sweet finish that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a showstopper at your next barbecue, these skewers will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these skewers so amazing is the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the heat from the jalapenos, creating a taste that’s both sweet and spicy in every bite. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the peach glaze gives it a delicious glossy finish. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer cuts down on time and mess, giving you a perfectly cooked skewer with a crispy exterior in just minutes. It’s a quick yet flavorful dish that is both healthy and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Roasted Chicken Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 yellow peaches, quartered and halved
• 3 medium jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded

For the Peach Glaze:

• ½ cup peach preserves
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Step One: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, I toss the cubed chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. I make sure each piece is coated well with the seasoning. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and helps keep it juicy during cooking.

Step Two: Assemble the Skewers
I thread the chicken, peaches, and jalapenos onto skewers in the following order: peach – chicken – jalapeno – chicken – jalapeno – chicken – peach. This arrangement ensures that each skewer has a great balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Step Three: Prepare the Air Fryer
I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I brush the skewers with a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking and help them brown nicely. I then arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket—if I have a smaller air fryer, I may need to cook the skewers in batches.

Step Four: Cook the Skewers
I air fry the skewers for about 11-12 minutes. I check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F for safe and juicy cooking. A meat thermometer is a great tool here to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step Five: Make the Peach Glaze
While the skewers cook, I prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, I combine the peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I stir it together and cook over medium-low heat until it’s smooth and warm, about 5 minutes.

Step Six: Finish and Serve
Once the skewers are done, I generously brush the peach glaze over each one. The glaze gives the skewers a sweet, glossy finish that enhances the flavors even more. I serve them immediately while they’re warm, with extra glaze on the side for those who want a bit more sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, with 2 skewers per person.
It takes about 15 minutes to cook, plus 10-15 minutes to prep and assemble.

Variations

I love how customizable these skewers are! You can easily swap in other fruits like nectarines or apricots for the peaches. If you like more heat, feel free to leave the jalapeno seeds in or add extra red pepper flakes to the glaze. For a heartier version, serve these skewers with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

If you have leftovers, store the skewers and any extra glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through. The glaze can be stored separately in the fridge and reheated gently before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can grill the skewers over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

How spicy are these skewers?

The spice level is adjustable. If you remove the jalapeno seeds, the skewers will have a mild heat with a gentle kick. For more heat, keep the seeds in or add extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Can I substitute peaches with other fruits?

Absolutely! Apricots or nectarines work wonderfully in this recipe. They offer a similar sweet and juicy flavor that complements the chicken and jalapenos.

Conclusion

Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers are a fun, flavorful, and simple dish that is sure to impress. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory makes each bite a delight, while the air fryer makes cooking quick and easy. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a healthy, delicious dinner, these skewers are the ideal choice. Try them today and let the flavors take you on a delicious journey!

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