Roanoke area farmers markets and orchards are brimming with peaches the next several weeks. When you think of enjoying this summer sweet, cobblers and pies likely come to mind. We've rounded up several quick savory recipes that you can enjoy even on a busy weeknight.
First, let's discuss some tips for selecting the best peach and storing them.
- Pick the Perfect Peach:
- Look for fruit that’s fragrant and gives slightly to gentle pressure.
- Smell near the stem for a sweet, peachy, aroma
- Choose peaches that feel heavy for it's size, indicating juiciness
- Store Smart:
- To speed up the ripening process, store the peaches in a paper bag until they are ripe, then refrigerate to slow ripening.
- Peel, slice, and freeze any abundance of peaches you have that may spoil. They can easily be used in desserts in smoothies.
- Get Creative: Peaches work just as well in salads, salsas, and sandwiches as they do in desserts. We highly recommend trying them grilled with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Here are several quick and easy dinner recipes that highlight fresh peaches as a star ingredient:
1. One-Skillet Peach-Glazed Chicken
- Ingredients: Chicken thighs, vegetable oil, sweet onion, fresh rosemary, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, ripe peaches.
- Instructions: Brown chicken thighs in a skillet, then set aside. Sauté onion and rosemary, then add brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and chopped peaches. Simmer until peaches soften and create a sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and serve.
- Time: About 25 minutes.
2. 30-Minute Chicken with Peaches (One-Pan Meal)
- Ingredients: Chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, yellow peaches, honey, lemon, butter, fresh thyme.
- Instructions: Season chicken, sear in a skillet, then set aside. In the same pan, cook sliced peaches, then add honey, lemon juice, and butter. Return chicken to the skillet, reheat, and top with fresh thyme.
- Time: 30 minutes or less.
3. Grilled Peaches with Cheese and Herbs
- Ingredients: Fresh peaches, olive oil spray, crumbled cheese (goat, feta, or blue), honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil or rosemary.
- Instructions: Halve and pit peaches, spray with oil, and grill cut side down for 1–2 minutes. Flip, fill cavities with cheese, drizzle with honey and vinegar, close grill, and cook 4–6 minutes until soft. Garnish with herbs.
- Time: About 10 minutes.
4. Peach and Chicken Skewers
- Ingredients: Chicken thighs, fresh peaches, olive oil, salt, pepper, optional herbs or spices.
- Instructions: Cube chicken and peaches, thread onto skewers (alternate chicken and peach), brush with oil, season, and grill until chicken is cooked through4.
- Time: About 20–25 minutes.
5. Peach Salad with Greens and Cheese
- Ingredients: Mixed greens, fresh or grilled peaches, goat or feta cheese, nuts, herbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar.
- Instructions: Toss greens with sliced peaches, cheese, nuts, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Time: 10 minutes.
These recipes are perfect for weeknights and make the most of fresh, seasonal peaches in quick, flavorful dinners.
These recipes were gathered with the help of Perplexity.AI. Follow the link for more detailed recipe instruction.
