Description
Skillet Honey Peach Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 ripe peaches, sliced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Season and sear the chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add honey, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add peaches and chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling peach slices around it. Spoon the glaze over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme and serve hot with your favorite side dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 380 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy sear. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in skin-side down. Do not move them for 5-6 minutes to achieve a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Create the Glaze Base: Reduce heat to medium. To the skillet drippings, add honey, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
4. Combine & Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Arrange the peach slices around and between the thighs. Spoon the glaze over everything. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
5. Final Touch: Remove from heat. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious glaze. Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. For a lighter option, try it with a simple arugula salad or roasted asparagus. The sweet and savory flavors also complement a crusty baguette perfectly.
How-to Summary
Season and sear chicken thighs until crispy. In the same pan, make a glaze with honey, broth, mustard, garlic, and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet, add sliced peaches, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish and serve with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts? Yes, but reduce the initial searing time to 3-4 minutes per side and the final simmering time to 6-8 minutes to prevent dryness.
My peaches are firm, not ripe. What can I do? Add the firmer peach slices at the beginning of the simmering step (with the chicken) so they have more time to soften and release their juices.
How can I make the sauce thicker? After removing the cooked chicken and peaches, simmer the glaze uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. It will reduce and thicken further.
Is there a substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in a 1:1 ratio, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for best results, cook just before serving. Reheating may overcook the peaches and chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Chicken: Wet skin will steam instead of sear, preventing a crispy texture.
- Crowding the Skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and leads to soggy skin.
- Using High Heat for the Glaze: Honey burns easily. Always reduce the heat to medium when making the glaze to prevent a bitter taste.
- Overcooking the Peaches: If using very ripe peaches, add them in the last 5 minutes of simmering so they soften but don’t turn to mush.
Conclusion
This Skillet Honey Peach Glazed Chicken is a stunning weeknight meal that feels gourmet. The combination of crispy, savory chicken with a sweet, fragrant glaze and tender peaches is truly irresistible. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.