Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with caramelized peaches and fresh basil for a refreshing summer meal.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. peach preserves
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and quartered
- Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and turn to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Grill the chicken, turning once halfway through, until it is nicely charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter.
- Step 3: Reduce the grill heat to medium. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Grill the peaches until they develop grill marks and soften slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Arrange the grilled peaches around the chicken breasts on the platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator instead of a couple of hours.
- If peaches aren’t in season, try grilling nectarines or plums as an alternative.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or omit it for a milder dish.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled chicken and peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature. Thawed chicken will also soak up the marinade better.
How can I tell when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
Cook the chicken until the juices run clear when pierced with a knife and the meat feels firm to the touch. However, using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
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Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Peach Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a tangy and sweet mixture of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, and spices. Grilled to perfection and served with charred, grilled ripe peaches, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and fruity flavors, perfect for a summer meal or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. peach preserves
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for marinade)
For Grilling Peaches
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and quartered
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing peaches)
For Serving
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat and grill chicken: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill. Grill the chicken, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they develop a nice char and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). This will take approximately 6 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter to rest.
- Grill the peaches: Reduce the grill heat to medium. Lightly brush the cut sides of the quartered peaches with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook them until they are nicely charred and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled peaches around the rested chicken breasts on the platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish to add a bright, herbal note. Serve immediately for the best flavor combination.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours; longer marinating can intensify flavors but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken for food safety and juiciness.
- If grilling outdoors is not an option, the chicken and peaches can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven with close attention to prevent burning.
- Fresh ripe peaches are best in season but frozen thawed peaches can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peach balsamic grilled chicken, grilled chicken, peach preserves chicken, summer grilling recipes, balsamic vinegar chicken, easy grilled chicken

