Name: Chicken with Peaches, Lemon Honey Butter Sauce & Fresh Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce); 2 tbsp honey; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 ripe peaches, sliced; Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine

Chicken with Peaches, Lemon Honey Butter Sauce & Fresh Thyme Recipe

Golden-seared chicken thighs with fresh peaches in lemon honey butter sauce, garnished with thyme in a skillet.

July 23, 2025

There’s something magical about pairing sweet, juicy peaches with tender, golden-seared chicken. Add a bright lemon honey butter sauce and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and you’ve got a dish that feels like summer on a plate. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

Don’t worry if you’re not used to cooking with fruit in savory dishes—I’ll walk you through step by step. By the end, you’ll be spooning this luscious sauce over chicken like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Peaches Recipe

If you’ve never combined chicken and peaches before, get ready to fall in love. This dish is all about balance. The chicken is juicy and savory, the peaches bring a burst of sweetness, and the lemon honey butter sauce ties it all together with a silky, tangy finish.

It’s also a versatile recipe. You can use chicken thighs for their rich flavor or swap in chicken breasts if you prefer. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Perfect for when peaches are in season, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want it all year round.

Ingredients for Chicken with Peaches, Lemon Honey Butter Sauce & Fresh Thyme

Let’s start with what you’ll need. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, with a few fresh items to make the flavors pop.

For the Chicken

Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you like)

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
2 ripe peaches, sliced (peel them if you prefer)
Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (helps make the sauce a little lighter)

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Peaches: You can swap in nectarines if you like their slightly firmer texture.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use a good plant-based butter alternative.
White Wine: No wine? No problem. A splash of apple cider vinegar or more lemon juice works in a pinch.

This is a forgiving recipe. You don’t need perfection—just good ingredients and a little love.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken with Peaches

Cooking this dish is like building layers of flavor. Take your time and enjoy the process—it’s as satisfying as the first bite.

Step 1 – Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it sear beautifully instead of steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the chicken. Let it sear without moving it for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach 165°F internally if you’re using a thermometer.

Tip: Thighs are forgiving and stay juicy, but if you’re using breasts, keep an eye on them—they cook a little faster.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2 – Make the Lemon Honey Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty browned bits), add 2 tablespoons butter. Once it melts, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Toss in the thyme sprigs and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes. It should smell incredible—bright, buttery, and slightly sweet.

Step 3 – Add the Peaches

Gently stir in the sliced peaches. Cook them for 2–3 minutes, just until they start to soften. The goal is tender peaches that hold their shape—not peach mush.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to loosen it up. This also adds a little extra depth to the flavor.

Step 4 – Return Chicken to Pan & Finish

Place the chicken back in the skillet, nestling it among the peaches and spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all that sweet-savory goodness.

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a little more fresh thyme over the top for a final fragrant touch.

Tips, Tricks & Expert Variations

Here are a few pro tips to make this recipe your own:

Don’t overcook the peaches: Add them at the very end so they stay juicy and tender.
Make it spicy: A pinch of chili flakes in the sauce adds a subtle heat that plays beautifully with the honey.
Go smoky: Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a summery barbecue twist.
Prep ahead: You can sear the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day, then reheat gently with the peaches just before serving.

This is the kind of dish that invites experimentation. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start dreaming up your own variations.

What to Serve with Chicken and Peaches

This chicken and peaches dish already feels like a celebration of flavors, but pairing it with the right sides will turn it into a complete meal your family and friends won’t forget.

Think of something to soak up that luscious lemon honey butter sauce. It’s too good to leave behind on the plate.

Best Side Dishes

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for catching every drop of the sauce.

Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf balances the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Couscous or Quinoa: For a healthier twist, these grains provide a subtle nutty flavor.
Crusty Bread: Sometimes the simplest option is the best. A warm loaf of crusty bread makes sopping up the sauce irresistible.

Wine Pairings

If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with:

Chilled Chardonnay: The buttery notes complement the sauce perfectly.
Dry Rosé: Its light fruitiness echoes the peaches without overwhelming the dish.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and citrusy, it highlights the lemon in the sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

For those who like to know what’s on their plate, here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: 400–450 (depending on chicken cut and sauce additions)
Protein: 28–32 grams
Carbohydrates: 15–20 grams (mostly from peaches and honey)
Fat: 20–25 grams
Dietary Notes: Naturally gluten-free; dairy-free optional with butter substitute

This dish strikes a nice balance between indulgence and wholesomeness, especially when paired with lighter sides.

FAQs about Chicken with Peaches, Lemon Honey Butter Sauce & Fresh Thyme

Let’s answer some of the most common questions to help you feel completely confident before you start.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but fresh peaches really shine here. If using canned, drain them well and add them at the very end since they’re already soft. Frozen peaches should be thawed and patted dry to avoid watering down the sauce.

How do I keep the chicken juicy in this recipe?

The key is not overcooking it. Sear until golden and finish gently in the sauce. Using chicken thighs helps too—they’re naturally juicier and more forgiving than breasts.

What herbs pair well with peaches besides thyme?

Basil and rosemary are lovely alternatives. Basil gives a fresh, summery note, while rosemary brings a piney depth that’s beautiful with honey and lemon.

Can this be made in the oven or air fryer?

Absolutely. You can sear the chicken first, then finish it in a 375°F oven for about 10–15 minutes with the sauce and peaches. In the air fryer, cook the chicken separately and drizzle the warmed sauce and peaches over just before serving.

What type of honey is best for this sauce?

A mild honey like clover or wildflower works best. Stronger varieties like buckwheat honey can overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chicken with Peaches recipe, you might enjoy these other fresh and fruity dishes:

Peach Dump Cake: A quick and easy dessert with juicy peaches and a buttery topping.
Peach Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette: A sweet-tangy dressing perfect for summer salads.
Ever Southern Peach Cobbler: A classic southern dessert loaded with ripe peaches.
Peach Banana Smoothie: A refreshing drink to start your day.
The Best Peach Rhubarb Pie: A tangy-sweet pie that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Final Thoughts & Recipe Card

This Chicken with Peaches, Lemon Honey Butter Sauce & Fresh Thyme is the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel special and special occasions feel effortless. The sweet peaches, tangy lemon, and herbaceous thyme bring out the very best in the golden-seared chicken.

It’s cozy yet elegant, family-friendly yet impressive enough for guests. Keep it in your back pocket for peach season, or surprise everyone with it during colder months using quality frozen fruit.

Once you’ve made it, you might find yourself coming back again and again—each time with your own little twist. That’s the beauty of recipes like this: they’re a starting point for creativity in the kitchen.