Grilled Chicken with Spicy Peach Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy peach glaze that combines preserves with tangy cider vinegar, warm ginger, and mild green chiles. Perfect for summer barbecues and family dinners, this recipe transforms simple chicken into a flavorful centerpiece. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a glossy finish that balances fruity sweetness with gentle heat. Ideal for outdoor entertaining when you want something special but not too complicated.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peach preservesapricot preserves1:1gluten-free
similar sweetness and texture
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ cup Old El Paso Chopped Green Chiles, from 1 can (4 oz)
- 6 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
- 3 bone-in chicken breasts, skin removed
Instructions
- 1
Heat gas or charcoal grill
- 2
Process all ingredients except chicken in food processor or blender until smooth
- 3
Reserve one-third cup of preserves mixture
- 4
Place chicken pieces on grill over medium heat
- 5
Cover grill and cook, turning frequently
- 6
Brush with preserves mixture during last portion of cooking
- 7
Cook until juice runs clear when thickest piece is cut to bone
- 8
Discard any remaining preserves mixture used for brushing
- 9
Brush chicken with reserved preserves mixture before serving
Tips
Reserve some glaze before brushing raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination and ensure safe serving sauce.
Remove skin from chicken pieces for better glaze adhesion and healthier results.
Turn chicken frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover chicken up to 3 days in sealed container
Marinate chicken in glaze up to 4 hours before grilling
Serve hot off the grill with grilled vegetables or corn on the cob
Common Mistakes
Use reserved glaze for serving to avoid cross-contamination from raw chicken
Don't apply glaze too early to prevent burning from sugar content
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, reduce cooking time to 12-15 minutes total and check for 165°F internal temperature.
What if I don't have a food processor?
Whisk ingredients together thoroughly, though texture will be slightly chunkier than blended version.
How long will leftover glaze keep?
Store unused glaze in refrigerator up to 1 week, perfect for other grilled meats.