This Grilled Peach Mojito Chicken is summertime simplicity at its finest. Sweet, smoky grilled peaches mingle with juicy marinated chicken, all brightened by lime and fresh mint—just like your favorite mojito, but with a savory twist. It’s wonderfully quick to throw together, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or those days you want real flavor without a ton of clean-up. One bite and the combo of tender chicken, caramelized peaches, and zesty marinade will have you hooked. This dish captures the sunny flavors of summer and elevates even the most ordinary dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: From start to finish, dinner arrives at the table in about 30 minutes. No complicated steps, no fussy equipment, just real food and great taste.
- Bold, Summery Flavors: Juicy peaches get caramelized on the grill, infusing chicken with natural sweetness. The lime, honey, and fresh mint echo the essence of a mojito, making each bite a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Lean chicken breast and peaches bring plenty of nutrition to the party, with just enough olive oil and honey to keep things luscious.
- Minimal Dishes: Marinade doubles as sauce, so there’s less to wash up later! Cook everything on the grill or in one skillet.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters (and those skeptical of fruit in savory dishes) love the harmony of sweet, tart, and herby flavors here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts (thin sliced, boneless, skinless): Quick to cook and perfectly tender for weeknight speed; thighs also work if preferred.
- Peaches (ripe, with skin): The natural sweetness and acidity pair beautifully with the chicken. Keep the skin on—it helps hold shape on the grill.
- Limes (juiced): Adds brightness and zing, balancing the honey’s sweetness; a must for that mojito vibe.
- Olive Oil: For richness and to help keep chicken moist; also prevents sticking on the grill or skillet.
- Honey: Just a hint for subtle sweetness; maple syrup works as a substitute if you’re out of honey.
- Fresh Mint (chopped): The mojito signature! Delivers undeniable freshness and aroma—don’t skip it.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors; season to taste.
Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try nectarines in place of peaches for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or minced jalapeño to the marinade for gentle heat.
- Herb Swap: Use basil or cilantro instead of mint for a completely different herbal note.
- Citrus Twist: Swap limes for lemons, or add a splash of orange juice to the marinade for a hint of sweetness.
- Different Proteins: Try this with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or tofu—just adjust grilling time as needed.
- Add a Crunch: Toss grilled almonds or pistachios over the top before serving for extra texture.
How to Make Grilled Peach Mojito Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
In a glass jar or small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, chopped mint, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake (or whisk if using a bowl) for 1-2 minutes until everything is beautifully combined—a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and herbaceous.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour in half of the marinade, reserving the other half for later. Seal or cover, and marinate for just 10-15 minutes—enough to infuse flavor without requiring a long wait.
Step 3: Prepare the Peaches
Cut peaches into thick slices (keep the skin on—it helps with grilling and adds lovely color). Set aside and get your grill or skillet heating up.
Step 4: Grill Chicken and Peaches
Coat your grill or skillet with oil, then place the chicken and peach slices directly onto the hot surface. Grill each side for about 5 minutes—look for gorgeous grill marks on the peaches and chicken cooked through and juicy.
Step 5: Dress the Peaches
Once the peaches are nicely caramelized and the chicken is fully cooked, remove them from the grill. Toss the warm peaches with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the chicken on a serving platter or individual plates. Top generously with the grilled peaches and spoon over the minty, citrusy marinade. A handful of extra fresh mint on top completes the dish.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Chicken breast soaks up flavor quickly, so 10-15 minutes is perfect. Too long, and the lime can start to change the texture.
- Use Ripe but Firm Peaches: Overripe peaches will fall apart on the grill, so pick ones that yield slightly to pressure but still hold their shape.
- Skillet Method: If grilling isn’t convenient, use a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for similar caramelization and char.
- Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat—juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Extra Zing: Squeeze more fresh lime over the top just before serving for an irresistible pop of flavor.
How to Serve
This dish shines in its simplicity, but a few thoughtful pairings make it a true standout:
- Serve with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the tangy juices.
- Toss together a quick green salad with arugula, goat cheese, and toasted nuts—the peppery greens are a lovely match.
- For a heartier dinner, pair with grilled corn or roasted baby potatoes.
- For a mojito-inspired meal, offer a classic mint-lime soda, spritz, or, of course, a refreshing mojito alongside!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and peaches together, but reserve extra marinade on the side if you haven’t already tossed it all in.
Freezing
The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the peaches are best enjoyed fresh. If you have extra chicken, freeze it without the peaches for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as the chicken can dry out.
Note: Fresh peaches won’t hold up as well after freezing or reheating, so enjoy them at their best right after cooking.
FAQs
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Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and grill beautifully without turning mushy. If fresh aren’t available, frozen peach slices (thawed and well-drained) are a better alternative than canned, which tend to be too soft and sweet.
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Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Absolutely! The chicken itself can be marinated ahead and cooked quickly when ready. For prepping in advance, keep the grilled peaches separate and combine just before serving to preserve the texture.
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How can I make the dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or thick slices of halloumi cheese, marinated and grilled the same way. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
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Do I need a grill, or can I make this on the stove?
A grill is fantastic for that smoky char, but a stove-top grill pan or even a plain skillet works wonderfully. Just be sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking and get those lovely caramelized surfaces.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Grilled Peach Mojito Chicken, a dish that brings the sunshine to your plate with minimal effort. It’s quick, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for any night of the week or when you want to impress guests with something just a little different. Be bold with your flavors, have fun with the variations, and, most of all, savor every fresh, juicy bite. Give it a try and bring some easygoing summer magic to your dinner!
PrintGrilled Peach Mojito Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Peach Mojito Chicken is a fresh, summery main course that combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with sweet, caramelized peaches and a zesty mojito-style marinade featuring lime, honey, and mint. The result is a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for warm weather dining and ideal for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 peaches, sliced with skin on
- 1 pound thin sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mason jar, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, chopped mint, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes to thoroughly blend and emulsify the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag. Pour in half of the marinade, seal the bag, and massage gently to coat the chicken. Allow it to marinate for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator for best flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Peaches: While the chicken marinates, cut the peaches into even slices, keeping the skin on for texture. Set them aside until ready to grill.
- Grill the Chicken and Peaches: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and place both chicken breasts and peach slices onto the grill. Cook chicken about 5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Grill peaches simultaneously, flipping after about 5 minutes, until they are tender and charred in spots.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer grilled peaches to a bowl and toss with the reserved unused marinade. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter or individual plates and top generously with the marinated grilled peaches and extra chopped mint if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes.
- Try substituting nectarines if peaches aren’t available.
- Be sure to only use fresh, reserved marinade for tossing the peaches, not the marinade exposed to raw chicken.
- Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg