Grilled Peach Glazed Chicken And Rice Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick and easy dinner recipe, your search ends here with this Grilled Peach Glazed Chicken and Rice Recipe. It is the perfect meal for two that is simple to prepare, yet full of flavor.

With fresh peaches in season it is the perfect time to give this recipe a try. However, don’t worry if you don’t have any fresh peaches, canned peaches or even snack size diced peaches will help you create this delicious meal.

Best of all this dish is ready to eat in under 30 minutes. Imagine having a mouth-watering, wholesome meal on your table in less time than it takes to order and pick up takeout.

Beyond the fantastic flavor, this recipe also requires little cleanup. As a simple grilled dish, it avoids using a multitude of pots and pans, so you can enjoy your meal without dreading the mountain of washing up afterwards.

However in case you can’t or don’t prefer to cook the chicken on grill have no worries. You can bake it in the oven, although there will be an extra pan to wash at the end of the night.

So, whether you’re a grilling enthusiast, a novice in the kitchen, or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe, be sure to give this one a try. I am sure that at the end of the meal both your taste buds and your belly will be more than satisfied.

Peach Glazed Chicken & Rice Ingredients

This peach glazed chicken and rice recipe requires just a few simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Chicken – This recipe calls for 6-ounce chicken breasts. They are the perfect portion size to prevent having a bunch of leftovers. However, if you prefer you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Although you will need to adjust the cook time accordingly.

Fresh or Canned Peaches – Whenever you get the chance, use fresh peaches. The fresh and juicy fruit will give you a more natural and robust flavor. However canned peaches can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. I have even used the diced peaches in the snack packs so I wouldn’t have to worry about using the leftovers.

Sugar – Although peaches have natural sweetness, sugar is added to the glaze mixture to provide a little more sweetness, but also to thicken it.

Balsamic Vinegar – This ingredient may surprise you. However balsamic vinegar will also add sweetness and tang to the glaze. In addition it will amplifying the flavors of the peaches.

Cooked White Rice – For serving, cooked white rice which provides a neutral base that beautifully balances the sweetness of the peach.

How to Make The Peach Glaze

Creating the peach glaze is simple and straightforward and is the same process that is done to make Peach Glazed Pork Chops. Start by combining the peaches and water in a food processor or blender, pulsing until you have a smooth puree.

If you’re using canned peaches, you can replace the water with the juice from the can for an extra peachy flavor. Then transfer the peach puree and sugar to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until thickened.

Stir in the balsamic vinegar after removing from the heat to add a tangy richness to your glaze.

The Secrets To Grilling Chicken Breasts

Grilling chicken breasts can be a tricky task. To get juicy, tender chicken, begin by bringing the chicken to room temperature before grilling. This promotes even cooking.

Also, pound out the thicker parts of the chicken for uniform thickness, preventing overcooking in some areas while undercooking others.

However the most important secret to grilling chicken breasts not only for this peach glazed chicken and rice recipe, but whenever you cook chicken is to use an instant-read thermometer. This will allow you to cook the chicken to a safe temperature and prevent the risk of overcooking it.

Remove the chicken from the grill once it hits 160°F. Then allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. As the chicken rests it will continue to increase to the safe consumption temperature of 165°F.

What Type of Rice Goes Best With Peach Glazed Chicken

You have several options when it comes to the type of rice to serve with this dish. Long-grain white rice is a classic choice, known for its mild flavor and fluffy texture.

Jasmine rice, with its fragrant, slightly sweet flavor, would also be a great variety to use. Basmati rice, renowned for its long, slender grains and aromatic flavor, is another fantastic option.

And if you want to go with a healthier grain, brown rice is an excellent choice. Each type brings a unique taste and texture to the table, so choose one based on your preference.

Different Methods For Cooking White Rice

There are several methods to cook white rice, and the choice often depends on your preferred method. The traditional stovetop method involves simmering the rice in water until tender. This method requires quite a bit of attention so that the water doesn’t boil over.

Alternatively, a rice cooker automates this process making it an easy task. Once you get used to how your rice cooker works you can make it ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time with minimal effort.

For the quickest and easiest option, an Instant Pot can cook rice in less time than traditional methods. It is a great hands off type of cooking that will free you up to go outside and grill without worry. Here is how I make Instant Pot Rice.

Simply start the rice before you make the peach glaze and by the time that you grill the chicken your rice will be done and ready to eat at the same time.

Rice Alternatives

If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional long-grain white rice. Instant rice or microwave rice are quick, convenient options if you’re short on time.

However for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice makes a great stand-in, adding a boost of veggies to your meal.

You can also serve the peach glazed chicken over quinoa, zucchini noodles or even pasta instead of rice. The choice really is up to you.

So there you have it, a quick and delightful Grilled Peach Glazed Chicken and Rice recipe, perfect for dinner for two. This meal is full of wonderful flavors, capturing the essence of summer with its juicy grilled chicken and sweet and tangy peach glaze.

Grilled Peach Glazed Chicken & Rice

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup sliced, diced, canned or fresh peaches
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 (6 ounce) chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For Serving:

• 1 cup of cooked white rice

INSTRUCTIONS

In a food processor or high speed blender, add the peaches and water. *If you are using canned peaches you can use the juice instead of water. Then pulse until you have a puree mixture.

Place the peach puree and sugar in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and then allow the mixture to reduce until thickened.

Once the glaze reaches a consistency of barbecue sauce, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar. Set aside.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Then spread half of the glaze over the top of the chicken breasts. Set aside.

Heat the grill (or skillet) to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken, glaze side up on the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and brush the other side with the glaze.

Continue to grill until the center of the thickest part of the chicken breasts reaches 160°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer. Then remove the chicken from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the peach glazed chicken over cooked white rice.

Baking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then spray a 8 x 8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Place the prepared chicken breasts in the baking dish. Then pour the peach glaze over top.

Bake for 22-26 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove the dish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with cooked white rice.

There you have it, a delicious dinner for two that is quick, easy and delicious.

Enjoy! Mary

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