This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a tasty delight! It features juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy peach barbecue sauce that makes each bite feel like summer.
Honestly, the slow cooker does all the hard work here! I prep it in the morning, then enjoy the mouthwatering smell filling my home all day. Perfect with rice or on a bun! 🍗🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender result. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work nicely too! They’re more flavorful and juicy.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves really shine here, but if you don’t have them, any fruit preserves like apricot or even a mango chutney can work, giving a unique twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. If you’re looking for something lighter, a homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce is a great option.
Onion and Garlic: The onion adds sweetness, while garlic provides a lovely depth. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them or use onion powder and garlic powder as substitutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, lemon juice can be a good substitute to brighten the flavor without changing it much.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Cooked Chicken?
Shredding chicken is simple, and you can do it right in the slow cooker to save on dishes! Here’s how:
- Once the chicken is done cooking, use two forks to pull it apart. Hold one fork steady and use the other to shred the meat.
- Mix well with the sauce to soak up all those yummy flavors.
- For a quicker option, you can use a hand mixer on low speed—just be gentle to avoid a mess!
This technique makes for tender shredded chicken, perfect for sandwiches or serving with sides!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup peach preserves (or peach jam)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Butter (for mashed potatoes or serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. After that, it’s just a matter of shredding the chicken and serving it with your choice of sides!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for your chicken to cook on. It’s an easy step that adds lots of flavors!
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions. Feel free to arrange them neatly; they will soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and looking yummy!
4. Pour It All Together:
Now, pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This is where all the magic begins—your kitchen will start to smell so good!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be cooked through and super tender—it will practically fall apart!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce so every piece of chicken is coated with that juicy goodness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Peach BBQ Chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over it. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns for a fun meal!
8. Extra Tip:
If you want, a little butter can be added to your sides for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every bite of your sweet and tangy Peach BBQ Chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or safely in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Cooking time may slightly increase if the chicken is still cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, store it in the fridge, and simply pop it in the slow cooker in the morning. This way, dinner is ready for you when you get home!
What To Serve with Peach BBQ Chicken?
This dish is versatile! Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, or use it in sandwiches for a delicious BBQ meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a refreshing side.
