Kickin’ Peach Chicken with Chargrilled Asparagus is a dish that blends sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, making it a versatile option for pairing with a variety of alcoholic beverages. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or cocktails, there’s a perfect match to enhance the dish’s bold and fruity notes.
Kickin’ Peach Chicken with Chargrilled Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus spears
- 8 12-inch wooden skewers
- 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ¾ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons sliced fresh green onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) on medium. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper (wash hands). Place chicken on grill and close lid (or cover loosely with foil); grill 14–16 minutes, turning often, until chicken is 165°F.
- Whisk preserves, onions, oil, sriracha sauce, mustard, soy sauce, and garlic until blended. Brush ¼ cup glaze over chicken during last minute of cook time. Slice chicken and serve with remaining glaze for dipping.
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) on medium. Remove and discard tough root ends from asparagus. Divide asparagus into 4 portions and align each in a flat row. Thread 2 skewers crosswise through each bunch, forming a raft shape.
- Coat asparagus with 1 teaspoon oil and place on grill; grill 4–5 minutes, turning often, until tender.
- Whisk soy sauce, mustard, garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in medium bowl until blended. Brush on asparagus; serve.
Wine Pairings
White Wines:
- Riesling (Off-Dry to Semi-Sweet) – The natural sweetness and acidity of Riesling complement the peach glaze while balancing the dish’s spice.
- Chenin Blanc – With stone fruit undertones and crisp acidity, this wine enhances the sweetness of the peaches and refreshes the palate.
- Viognier – Offers floral and peachy aromas that blend seamlessly with the dish’s flavors while providing a smooth mouthfeel.
Red Wines (Light to Medium-Bodied):
- Pinot Noir – Its bright acidity and red fruit notes contrast beautifully with the sweet and spicy glaze without overwhelming the dish.
- Grenache – A fruit-forward, medium-bodied red that brings out the caramelization in the chicken while standing up to the charred asparagus.
Beer Pairings
- Hefeweizen – A wheat beer with hints of banana and spice that harmonizes with the sweet heat of the dish.
- Pale Ale – Offers a balanced hoppy bitterness that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the charred notes of the asparagus.
- Saison – A farmhouse ale with citrus, spice, and effervescence that complements the bold flavors without overpowering them.
Cocktail Pairings
- Peach Bourbon Smash – A refreshing cocktail with bourbon, peach purée, and mint that mirrors the dish’s flavors while adding a smooth depth.
- Moscow Mule – The ginger and lime in this cocktail enhance the spice and acidity in the dish, creating a well-rounded pairing.
- Spicy Margarita – The heat from a jalapeño-infused tequila margarita plays well with the dish’s kick while the citrus balances the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Kickin’ Peach Chicken with Chargrilled Asparagus is a flavorful dish that pairs well with a range of beverages. Whether you opt for a crisp white wine, a light-bodied red, a refreshing beer, or a bold cocktail, these pairings will elevate your dining experience. Try them out and discover your favorite combination!
What’s your go-to drink pairing for this dish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
