Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a sweet and tangy peach glaze inspired by South Carolina’s famous fruit. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh peach puree
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup fresh peach puree, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 4: Simmer the peach glaze for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them. Cook together for 2 more minutes until heated through and well coated.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken topped with the peach glaze alongside your favorite sides.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with South Carolina Peach Glaze?
Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.