By Gary 
For a delightful family meal that combines sweet and savory flavors, try this Peach and Spiced Chicken Stir-fry. The combination of tender chicken, juicy peaches, and a hint of spice creates a tantalizing dish perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare and brings a unique twist to your family dinner.
Ingredients
– Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
– Chicken: 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts, diced
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
Vegetables and Fruits
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
– 2 peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
– **Sauce Ingredients**:
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish:
– Cilantro, fresh or dried (optional)
Initial Preparation
Heating olive oil properly ensures your chicken sears perfectly. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering hot, about 2 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
Season your diced chicken generously with 1 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Add the seasoned chicken to your hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through—approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate bowl and set it aside.
Cooking Peaches and Jalapeño
Using the same skillet, add the diced peaches and jalapeño. Cook these over medium heat until the peaches start to soften and release their juices, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step will bring out the peaches’ sweetness and balance the jalapeño’s mild heat.
Preparing Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup peach preserves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and well mixed. Setting the mixture aside allows the cornstarch to integrate completely with the liquids, ensuring no lumps when cooked.
Combining Ingredients
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the softened peaches and jalapeño. Pour in the peach preserve sauce, stirring to coat all the chicken and peach pieces evenly. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally. Within 2 minutes, the sauce should thicken to a glossy, coating consistency.
Serving
Transfer your delicious creation to a serving platter or family-style dish. For an extra burst of freshness and color, you can garnish with cilantro, either fresh or dried if preferred. Serve hot for your family to enjoy.
This Peach and Spiced Chicken Stir-fry is not only quick to make, but its array of flavors will leave your family eagerly anticipating their next bite. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and savory, making it a lovely addition to your family meal repertoire. Enjoy!