This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a fun dish that combines juicy chicken with sweet peach flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
There’s something special about those sticky BBQ sauce and peach chunks. I love how the chicken turns out so tender—it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Making this dish is a breeze. I whip it up in the morning and let it cook all day. By dinner, the whole house smells amazing, and dinner practically makes itself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. If you’re looking for a more economical option, chicken thighs work great too! They stay juicy and add some extra flavor.
Peach Preserves: You can use fresh peaches if you have them! Just pit, slice, and blend them down. If you’re out of peach preserves, try apricot jam or even mango preserves for a different taste!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, tangy, or smoky. If you want a healthier alternative, look for low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce recipes. This can really change the flavor profile!
Onions: Diced onions add a nice touch of flavor, but if you dislike them, leave them out! You can also substitute with onion powder as a quick fix.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It’s optional but adds a nice tang. You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken can seem tricky, but it’s super simple if you follow these tips:
- Let the chicken cook fully. It should be at least 165°F for safe eating.
- Use two forks—one to hold the chicken in place and the other to shred it.
- Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker to soak up all the delicious sauce!
This method makes it so easy to achieve tender, shredded chicken that’s packed with flavor!
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 kind)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the slow cooker for about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it while your kitchen fills with delicious smells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Don’t forget to season them with a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, diced onions (if you’re using them), and apple cider vinegar (if you’d like that extra tang!). Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
3. Combine with Chicken:
Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is coated nicely with the sauce!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. If you want to cook it slowly and have the chicken be super tender, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it! Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the delicious sauce that’s formed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your scrumptious peach BBQ chicken is ready to serve! Enjoy it hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides for a delightful meal the whole family will love!
Dig in and savor every bite of your effortlessly prepared peach BBQ chicken!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it cooks for longer—add about an extra 1 to 2 hours on low or 30 minutes on high. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet with the peach preserves, try adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can also reduce the amount of peach preserves and add more BBQ sauce to cut the sweetness.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chicken and store them in the fridge overnight. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you’re busy with your day!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly.
