Coconut peach chicken is a tropical-inspired dish with tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with sweet peaches and warm spices. I love making it when I want a unique and comforting meal that’s both sweet and savory.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish blends the richness of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of peaches. The flavors are balanced and cozy, and the sauce is perfect over rice. It’s a creative change from my usual chicken recipes and always feels a little bit special.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
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Olive oil or coconut oil
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Garlic (minced)
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Onion (chopped)
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Canned coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
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Fresh or canned peaches (sliced)
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Ginger (fresh or ground)
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
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Cooked rice (for serving)
Directions
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I heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
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I stir in the coconut milk, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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I add the peaches and return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
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I simmer everything gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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I serve it hot over rice and garnish with fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 10–15 minutes, and cook time is around 25–30 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for more veggies.
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Canned peaches work well when fresh ones aren’t in season—I just drain them first.
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I’ve used chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra tenderness.
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A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the whole dish.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. It also freezes well—just cool it completely before freezing for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, I thaw them first and drain off excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.
Does this taste like dessert?
Not at all. The peaches add a natural sweetness, but the savory ingredients keep it balanced.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich. I’ve used both with good results.
What’s the best side for this dish?
I love serving it with jasmine rice or coconut rice. Quinoa or couscous work well too.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, I’ve made a version using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, and it’s just as flavorful.
Conclusion
Coconut peach chicken is one of my favorite unexpected flavor combinations. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with sweet-savory balance. Whether I make it for a weeknight dinner or to impress friends, it always brings something delicious and different to the table.
Print
Coconut Peach Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Coconut peach chicken is a tropical-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy coconut milk sauce and sweet peaches, creating a unique sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, sliced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk, ginger, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add sliced peaches to the skillet, then return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
- Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has slightly thickened.
- Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.
Notes
- Use canned peaches when fresh ones aren’t in season—just drain them first.
- Try chicken thighs for a richer flavor and tenderness.
- Add bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
- A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
