Introduction

Honey Butter Peach Chicken is a deliciously rich and savory dish that combines tender chicken thighs with the sweetness of peaches and honey. This recipe balances smoky pancetta, aromatic herbs, and a luscious buttery sauce for a perfect home-cooked meal.

A white pan filled with a cooked dish showing several browned chicken pieces layered underneath a mix of golden peach slices, all sitting in a rich brown sauce with bits of crispy bacon scattered throughout. Fresh green basil leaves and sprigs of thyme are placed on top and around the chicken and peaches, adding a pop of color and freshness. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan with its handle pointing outward. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a thin cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tsp. sea salt, divided
1 tsp. fresh cracked pepper, divided
1 tsp. oregano, divided
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika, divided
8 oz. pancetta
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
6 chicken thighs
1 large shallot
3 cloves garlic, grated or pressed
1 cup chicken broth
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup honey
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 large peaches, sliced
Fresh basil and additional fresh thyme for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Season the chicken thighs evenly with half of the sea salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika on both sides. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: In a sauté pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it turns dark red. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Wipe out the pan lightly.
Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the chopped shallot for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add the grated garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up all browned bits. Let it cook for 3 minutes over medium heat, scraping continuously.
Step 6: Add the butter and honey to the pan. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is combined. Return the chicken thighs to the pan and add the fresh thyme sprigs.
Step 7: Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, cover the pan, and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and add the sliced peaches on top of the chicken. Spoon more sauce over everything, then broil for 3-5 minutes until the peaches soften and slightly caramelize. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, extra thyme, and additional sea salt and cracked pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

Use firm, ripe peaches for the best balance of sweetness and structure under broiling.
Substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is not available, but reduce added salt accordingly.
For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil and reduce the honey slightly.
Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Honey Butter Peach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or warm in the oven at 300 degrees F to preserve the sauce and peach texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white pan filled with cooked chicken pieces and sliced yellow peaches in a rich, reddish-brown sauce, garnished with fresh green basil leaves and small bits of crispy bacon. The chicken pieces have a golden-brown sear with visible pepper specks, and the peach slices are soft and juicy, some partially submerged in the sauce. The pan rests on a white cloth with gray stripes, placed on a wooden surface, with a wooden spoon and sprigs of fresh herbs nearby. A small glass bowl containing chopped green herbs is visible on the side. The scene is bright and warm, highlighting the textures and colors of the dish vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor closely to keep the meat juicy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and season the chicken ahead, but it’s best to cook and broil just before serving for optimal flavor and texture, especially to keep the peaches fresh and vibrant.