This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight! With just peaches, BBQ sauce, and chicken, you get a tasty meal without much work.
It’s fantastic for busy days! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love serving it with rice or on buns for a fun twist. Yummy! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to, but chicken thighs work too! They add a richer flavor and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breasts as a substitute.
Peach Preserves: For the sweet base, peach preserves are perfect! If you don’t have them, use peach jam or even homemade peach compote. In a pinch, apricot preserves can also work, just expect a different flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. I enjoy a smoky-variety for depth, but feel free to use any brand or style—honey BBQ or spicy varieties can add a nice twist!
Onion: While this ingredient is optional, I recommend including it for added flavor. If you want to skip it, consider using onion powder instead for a milder taste.
What’s the Best Way to Shred the Chicken?
Shredding chicken after cooking can be super easy! Here’s how to do it right:
- Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start at the thickest part and pull outward.
- If the chicken is really tender, you can even use your hands to shred it. Just be careful it isn’t too hot!
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce for even coverage and flavor.
This technique ensures every bite is juicy and packed with flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
If you’re using onions, place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Lightly season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Make sure they are nicely spread out for even cooking.
4. Create the BBQ Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This sweet and tangy sauce will be the star of the dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This will create a delicious glaze as it cooks.
6. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Shred and Mix:
Once the cooking time is done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce to coat it well.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the peach BBQ chicken hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or on buns for sandwiches. Enjoy this delightful meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Have fun making this easy and tasty recipe! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first. It’s best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water in a sealed bag. Cooking from frozen will require additional cooking time and may not cook evenly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in a tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can substitute them with peach jam or even apricot preserves. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work beautifully with the BBQ sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, you can mix in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the BBQ mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference for the perfect kick!
