This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a delightful dish that mixes tender chicken with a sweet and tangy peach barbecue sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy days, just set it and forget it!
The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is absolutely mouthwatering! I love serving it with rice or on a bun. It’s like a little summer party on your plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they stay tender and juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, but be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as they can take longer to cook through.
Peach Preserves or Jam: Use any peach preserves for sweetness. If you can’t find peach, apricot jam works well, too. You can even use fresh peaches blended into a puree if you’re looking for a fresher taste.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, but if you want to make it from scratch, a simple mix of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices can work. For a healthier option, consider low-sugar versions available in stores.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely, smoky flavor. If you’re out of it, you can use regular paprika, but you might want to toss in a touch more seasoning to make up for the smokiness.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
Shredding chicken is an essential step for this dish to get that delicious sauce evenly distributed. Here’s how to do it easily:
- After cooking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Hold one fork steady in the chicken while using the other to shred it apart.
- If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed. This quickly shreds the chicken without much effort.
- Be sure to mix the shredded chicken back in the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Peach Sauce: 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Fresh peach slices or chunks for added texture and flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach BBQ chicken is easy to make! You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and then just let it cook in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a mouth-watering meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base for all that flavor!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth!
3. Sauce It Up:
Now, pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated with that tasty sauce. If you’re feeling fruity, you can also add some fresh peach chunks on top!
4. Cook It Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is the fun part! Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce so it’s nice and juicy.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Your peach BBQ chicken is ready to be served! Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or on buns for a delicious sandwich. You can also garnish with extra peach slices if you like!
Dig in and enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of this easy slow cooker dish!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, or for a quicker option, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and place the chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and set it to cook!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Peach BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns. You can also serve it with a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal!
