Looking for a mouthwatering summer recipe that’s both easy and delicious? These Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers are marinated cubes of chicken with peaches, and spicy jalapeno chunks, cooked in an air fryer and brushed with a peach glaze. They are SO flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or served as an appetizer at your next summer gathering! Plus, you can also make them in the oven or on a grill. If you’re craving more ways to enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet and spicy, check out my Jalapeno Peach Chicken, too!
Jalapeno Peach Chicken Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work. Try cutting them into pieces that are similar in size for even cooking. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Peaches: Look for fresh yellow peaches. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces to add to the skewers. Do not use frozen or canned peaches–they did not work when tested in this recipe.
- Jalapeno Peppers: I used 3 jalapeno peppers for this recipe. If you want more spice, add more! Or, for less of a kick, you can use fewer or leave them off completely. Make a few with and a few without if you are feeding anyone who doesn’t like spice.
- Peach Glaze: Peach preserves serve as the base of the glaze, giving it a concentrated peach flavor. Peach jam or jelly would be suitable substitutes if you don’t have peach preserves. I added red pepper flakes for even more of a kick, but you can leave those out if preferred. It is the same glaze/marinade I used on my Roasted Peach Chicken, Jalapeno Peach Pork Bites, and Jalapeno Peach Hasselback Kielbasa, just to name a few!
Wooden Skewers vs Metal Skewers
You can use either wooden or metal skewers for these kebabs, even in the air fryer. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from charring during cooking. For metal skewers, ensure they fit into the basket of your air fryer. If needed, you can break wooden skewers in half to fit them into the basket.
Can I Assemble Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It’s a great time-saver to get the skewers put together in advance so they are ready to go. Once assembled, place the skewers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply remove the skewers from the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions.
Storing & Reheating Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers
Once cooked, it’s easy to store leftover skewers. (But, after you taste how delicious they are, I bet there won’t be many leftovers…) To store, first, let the skewers cool to room temperature. Next, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You might want to remove the chicken, peaches, and jalapeno peppers from the skewers to save space when storing. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
Jalapeno Peach Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 15 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Skewers
- 4 yellow peaches, quartered, then halved (32 pieces)
- 3 medium jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded, cut into chunks
Peach Glaze
- ½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Chicken
- To a large bowl, add chicken, salt, pepper, chili powder, and oil. Toss to coat.
- To each skewer, thread peach, chicken, jalapeno, chicken, jalapeno, chicken, and peach. (This is how I assembled each skewer; feel free to thread the skewers as desired.)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F* (190°C).
- To prevent sticking, brush the skewers with olive oil. Place into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry the skewers for 11-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Peach Glaze
- While the skewers are cooking, prepare the peach glaze. To a medium sauce pan, add the glaze ingredients. Mix until incorporated and continue to cook until warmed through.
- Once the skewers are done, brush them generously with the glaze. Serve warm.
Notes
Oven:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Assemble the skewers, then place them onto the lined baking sheet.
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Cook the chicken skewers for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Remove from the oven. Brush with peach glaze.
Grill:
- Assemble skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush with peach glaze.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These jalapeno peach chicken skewers are a fantastic summer dish. The sweet peach glaze with a hint of spice from the jalapenos pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Elizabeth
We have made so many chicken skewers here, but these might be my new favorite! I loved the litte bit of heat from the jalapenos and red pepper flakes in the glaze. You have to give these a try if you are looking for chicken skewer recipes!!!
Annabelle
These skewers are incredible! The sweetness of the peaches mixed with the spicy jalapenos is a match made in heaven. I was surprised I liked them, acutally!
Bella
These skewers were a pleasant surprise! I was skeptical about the peach and jalapeno mix, but it was amazing.
Selena
I can’t get enough of these jalapeno peach chicken skewers! The chicken is juicy, and the peaches add a sweet freshness. The glaze has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Looks, & sounds yummi!