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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.

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

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chipotle-peach-bbq-chicken/