Is there anything better than a dinner that feels indulgent and special, but is secretly one of the easiest things you’ll make all week? This Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake is exactly that kind of magic. With just five simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can create a meal that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, topped with thick, caramelized slices of fresh summer peaches. The peaches roast until they’re soft and jammy, blending their sweet juices with the tangy sauce to create the most incredible pan sauce. It’s a healthy, vibrant, and completely fuss free dinner that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for casual entertaining. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 Simple Ingredients: Chicken, peaches, red onion, BBQ sauce, and cilantro. That’s it! It’s proof that amazing flavor doesn’t require a long shopping list.
- Ready in 30 Minutes Flat: From preheating your oven to sitting down to eat, this whole meal comes together in half an hour. It’s the ultimate quick and easy dinner.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce and sweet, roasted peaches is an absolute flavor match made in heaven. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
- Meal Prep Hero: You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the bag up to two days ahead. When you’re ready, just dump it in a pan, top with peaches, and bake.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fresh fruit, this dish is light yet completely satisfying. It’s a dinner you can feel great about serving.
Let’s Make Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake
The secret to this recipe’s success is in the prep: tenderizing the chicken ensures it cooks quickly and stays incredibly juicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2-3 ripe but firm peaches, pitted and thickly sliced (see tip on peeling below)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (choose a spicy one if you like heat!)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the pan
Step by Step Instructions
1Prep and Tenderize the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a large, sturdy resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a heavy skillet, pound the chicken evenly until it is about ½ inch thick throughout. This crucial step ensures quick, even cooking and supremely tender results.
2Marinate: To the bag with the pounded chicken, add the sliced red onion and the BBQ sauce. Seal the bag and gently massage everything together until the chicken is completely coated. *(At this point, you can refrigerate the marinating chicken for up to 2 days for a fantastic make ahead meal.)*
3Assemble the Bake: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the entire contents of the bag chicken, onions, and all the sauce into the dish. Arrange the thick peach slices over the top of the chicken in an even layer.
4Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant read thermometer.
5Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after pulling it from the oven. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, spooning the incredible sweet and savory pan juices from the dish over everything.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- To Peel or Not to Peel? For peaches with thicker skins (like Elbertas), peeling is recommended for the best texture. For thin skinned peaches or nectarines, you can leave the peel on; just give them a good wash first.
- Choosing Your BBQ Sauce: The sauce defines the dish! For a more balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet, choose a BBQ sauce with a vinegar tang or a bit of spice. A spicy or chipotle BBQ sauce creates an amazing sweet heat combo.
- Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Peaches:
- Fresh: Ideal for the best flavor and texture.
- Frozen: A great second choice, especially for meal prep (they can thaw in the marinade).
- Canned: Use peaches packed in juice (not heavy syrup) in a pinch, but expect a softer texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic all on its own for a lighter meal. For a heartier dinner, serve it over:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or a multi grain blend
- Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- A simple green salad or roasted vegetables
This Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake is more than just dinner; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. I hope it brings a taste of summer to your table any time of year!
Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2-3 ripe peaches pitted and thickly sliced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooking spray or oil for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag. Pound with a mallet or rolling pin to an even ½ inch thickness.
- Add sliced red onion and BBQ sauce to the bag. Seal and massage to coat chicken completely.
- Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour chicken and marinade into dish. Arrange peach slices on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, spooning pan juices over top.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken in the bag for up to 2 days in the refrigerator before baking.
- Peaches: Peel thick skinned peaches; thin skinned varieties can be used with peel on. Frozen (thawed) or canned peaches (in juice) can be substituted.
- Serving: Excellent over rice, grains, or with a simple side salad.
