Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken

I love this recipe because peaches and chipotle peppers create an especially flavorful combination. The peaches bring natural sweetness and fruitiness, while the chipotle adds smoky heat that keeps the sauce from becoming overly sweet.

I also like how versatile the recipe is. I can grill the chicken when I want charred edges and classic barbecue flavor, or I can bake it in the oven when outdoor cooking is not convenient.

Another reason I make this chicken is the homemade sauce. I can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and spice level to my taste, and I can prepare the sauce ahead of time to make dinner even easier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chipotle peach BBQ sauce:

• Ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Tomato sauce or ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar or honey
• Garlic cloves
• Yellow onion
• Smoked paprika
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

For serving:

• Fresh peach slices, optional
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional
• Lime wedges, optional
• Extra chipotle peach BBQ sauce

Directions

I start by making the chipotle peach BBQ sauce. I heat a little olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. I cook it until soft and translucent, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

I add the chopped peaches, chipotle peppers, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook it for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. I continue cooking until the peaches are very soft and the sauce has thickened slightly.

I carefully blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender. If I use a countertop blender, I let the mixture cool slightly and blend it according to the blender manufacturer’s instructions.

I taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. I add more chipotle when I want extra heat, a little vinegar for additional tang, or a touch more brown sugar or honey when I want it sweeter.

For the chicken, I pat the pieces dry and lightly coat them with olive oil. I season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

When grilling, I preheat my grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. I cook the chicken, turning as needed, until it is nearly done.

During the final several minutes of cooking, I brush the chicken generously with the chipotle peach BBQ sauce. I turn and brush the chicken again, allowing the sauce to caramelize without burning.

For an oven method, I arrange the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and bake it at 400°F (200°C). I brush it with the BBQ sauce during the later part of cooking and continue baking until the chicken is cooked through.

I cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, then let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

I finish the chicken with extra warm BBQ sauce and, if I want, fresh peach slices, chopped herbs, or a squeeze of lime.

Servings and Timing

I usually prepare this Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken for about 4 servings. My exact cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces and whether I grill or bake them.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

For a milder version, I use less chipotle pepper and remove any excess adobo sauce before adding it. I can always add more after tasting the finished sauce.

When fresh peaches are unavailable, I use frozen peaches that have been thawed and drained. I can also use canned peaches packed in juice, although I drain them well and adjust the added sweetener to account for their sweetness.

For extra smoky flavor, I grill peach halves alongside the chicken and blend some of the grilled fruit into the BBQ sauce. I can also serve the grilled peaches next to the finished chicken.

I can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless chicken. I simply allow additional cooking time and still check that the thickest part has reached a safe internal temperature.

For a different protein, I use the chipotle peach BBQ sauce with pork, turkey, salmon, or grilled tofu. I adjust the cooking method and timing according to the protein I choose.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I keep additional BBQ sauce in a separate airtight container when possible.

For stovetop reheating, I place the chicken in a covered skillet with a small spoonful of BBQ sauce and a splash of water. I warm it over low heat until thoroughly heated.

I can also reheat the chicken in a 325°F (165°C) oven. I cover it loosely with foil and add a little extra sauce to help prevent it from drying out.

For individual portions, I use the microwave and reheat the chicken in short intervals until hot. I add extra sauce after reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

I store homemade chipotle peach BBQ sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator and use it within several days. I always keep sauce that has contacted raw chicken separate from sauce intended for serving.

FAQs

Is Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken very spicy?

I can easily control the heat by changing the amount of chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. I start with a small amount for gentle smokiness and add more when I want a noticeably spicy BBQ sauce.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes. I use thawed frozen peaches or well-drained canned peaches when fresh fruit is unavailable. If the canned peaches are particularly sweet, I reduce the brown sugar or honey in the sauce.

Can I make the chipotle peach BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes. I like preparing the sauce ahead because it makes the final meal much quicker. I cool the sauce completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container until I am ready to cook the chicken.

How do I keep BBQ sauce from burning on the grill?

I wait until the chicken is nearly cooked before brushing on generous amounts of sauce. Because the sauce contains natural and added sugars, putting it on too early can cause it to burn before the chicken finishes cooking.

What can I serve with Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken?

I like serving this chicken with grilled corn, coleslaw, potato salad, roasted sweet potatoes, rice, baked beans, or a simple green salad. I also enjoy adding grilled or fresh peaches on the side to reinforce the sweet and smoky flavors.

Conclusion

Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken gives me a flavorful combination of juicy chicken, sweet summer fruit, smoky chile, and tangy barbecue sauce. I especially love how the peaches soften the heat of the chipotle while still allowing its deep, smoky character to come through

Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken

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Chipotle Peach BBQ Chicken combines juicy chicken with a homemade peach barbecue sauce that is sweet, tangy, smoky, and gently spicy. Grill or bake the chicken and finish it with the sticky sauce for a flavorful summer dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe peaches, peeled and chopped, about 2 cups
• 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 fresh peach, sliced, optional for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional for serving
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, optional for serving
• Extra chipotle peach BBQ sauce, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped peaches, chipotle peppers, tomato sauce or ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat. Carefully blend with an immersion blender until smooth. If using a countertop blender, allow the mixture to cool slightly and blend safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Taste and adjust the chipotle, vinegar, sweetness, salt, or pepper as desired.
5. Reserve about 1 cup of the BBQ sauce in a clean container for brushing and serving. Do not use sauce that has contacted raw chicken as a serving sauce.
6. Pat the chicken dry and coat it with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season evenly with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
7. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 450°F (205°C to 230°C), and lightly oil the grates. Grill boneless chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes per side or boneless thighs for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
8. During the final 3 to 5 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with chipotle peach BBQ sauce. Turn and brush again, allowing the glaze to caramelize while watching carefully to prevent the sugars from burning. Cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. For baking instead, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased baking dish. Bake boneless chicken breasts for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or boneless thighs for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on thickness.
10. During the final 8 to 10 minutes of baking, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Brush with another layer during the final few minutes if desired. Continue baking until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with additional warmed chipotle peach BBQ sauce and optional fresh peach slices, chopped cilantro or parsley, and lime wedges.

Notes

• Chicken cooking times vary with thickness, so use an instant-read thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For milder BBQ sauce, start with 1 chipotle pepper. Use 2 or more for a stronger smoky heat.
• Thawed and drained frozen peaches can replace fresh peaches. Well-drained canned peaches packed in juice also work, but the added sweetener may need to be reduced.
• Apply the BBQ sauce near the end of grilling because its natural and added sugars can burn over high heat.
• Bone-in thighs or drumsticks can be used but require additional cooking time. Always verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Keep unused BBQ sauce separate from any sauce or utensils that have contacted raw chicken. Refrigerate clean leftover sauce in a covered container and use within several days.
• The chipotle peach BBQ sauce also pairs well with pork, turkey, salmon, or grilled tofu.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg