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Crispy Chicken Thighs with Fresh Peach Salsa

crispy chicken thighs with fresh peach salsa - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs paired with a fresh, slightly spicy peach salsa that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine diced peaches, chopped jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey (if using), and salt. Toss gently and set aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until a drop of water sizzles immediately.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press lightly with tongs to keep skin flat. Cook undisturbed for 7-8 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Reduce heat if skin browns too fast.
  5. Flip chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Serve chicken thighs topped generously with fresh peach salsa.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry to ensure crispiness. Do not move chicken too soon while searing to allow crust formation. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning skin. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Salsa can be made ahead and chilled; add lime juice just before serving to keep flavors bright. Frozen peaches can be used if fresh are unavailable, but avoid canned peaches to prevent mushy salsa.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, peach salsa, summer recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, fresh salsa, bone-in chicken, skillet chicken