A Southern Grace: peach perfection

August 4, 2016

peach perfection

Yum

My friend recently made an amazing peach pound cake to round out the 5★ meal that she and her husband served us, and I haven't been able to get peaches out of my head since then!


It's not that I haven't been trying to buy peaches--I have. The ones at my local grocery stores have been permanently unripened rocks so far this summer. It's important that I get my peach fix, however, and if I can't sink my teeth into some juicy flesh, the next best thing is to cook them until they get soft and serve them with chicken. (Actually, the next best thing is that peach pound cake, but I digress.)

This is a great one-skillet meal that delivers both sweet and savory satisfaction. The peaches definitely benefit from some heat and sugar, and though I used basil for this batch, I think rosemary would be an equally delicious herb accompaniment! My shrewd dinner evaluator had two suggestions for me, with which I readily agreed. He thought the chicken and sauce would be good over rice and also that some crunchy nuts might make it even better.


I loved this dish and will no doubt make it again within the week. I'd call it my favorite meal so far this summer and I have a feeling peaches (fresh in the summer and frozen in the winter) have secured their place on my staple grocery list!

Peachy Poultry
(printable recipe)
Serves 4
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into smaller pieces
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided use
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider or distilled vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 medium ripe peaches, pitted and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan.
Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
Do not clean out the skillet, but add another 1-1/2 teaspoons oil.
Add onion; cook for 5 minutes or until lightly golden, scraping up the bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir.
Add brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and peaches; cook 12 minutes or until peaches are softened.
Return chicken to the skillet and heat just until warm, spooning sauce over the meat.
Add the basil or rosemary at the end, mix, and serve.

11 comments:

Rosa said...

That's a fantastic combination! Looks delicious.

Cheers,

Rosa

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never tried this combo before...it looks superb, Grace.

Linda@2CookinMamas said...

I love peaches too but most of the time the ones in Florida are a little mushy. Now I know what I can do with them! Love the combo of peaches and chicken and I think adding nuts sounds like a great idea.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

This is a great recipe for my chicken loving husband to enjoy with his peach loving wife (me!). I never thought of cooking peaches like this but I can see that it's going to be tasty!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

When I saw you had peaches today, I never dreamed it would be with chicken! This is totally intriguing to me, and I will be trying this for sure.

Królowa Karo said...

Chicken with peach is very nice idea!

Beth said...

I'm with you on the peaches, although I've been lucky enough to buy some good ones this summer. The growing season is so short I have to enjoy it as much as possible! Your recipe sounds terrific.

Marcelle said...

This recipe sounds like a wonderful summer dinner and I agree about some nuts for some crunch. I might throw in some toasted pecan pieces and the end. Great recipe, Grace! :)

Pam said...

I think chicken and pork both go so well with peaches. This looks like a delicious dinner! Pecans in there would be great too!

Katerina said...

I love adding fruits to my savory dishes! This is exactly my type of meal!

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

It's so sad when you get the peaches that won't ripen before they spoil! I usually take a substandard peach, cook it with brown sugar and butter and serve it over ice cream. But I'll have to consider chicken next time.