This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a winner! Tender chicken simmers all day in a tasty peach barbecue sauce, making it juicy and flavorful. Perfect for dinner with little fuss!
You can pair it with rice or a fresh salad, and everyone will love it. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the sweet smell of peaches wafting through the house? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you need a meatless option, try using jackfruit for a pulled-style texture.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves add sweetness and flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use peach nectar or swap with other fruit preserves like apricot or mango for a different twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce will significantly impact flavor. For a tangy taste, go for vinegar-based sauces, or a smoky one for deeper flavor. Try homemade BBQ sauce if you want to control the ingredients and taste.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor, but feel free to omit or replace it with shallots or even a dash of onion powder if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Shred Easily?
Getting chicken to shred perfectly is key to enjoying this dish. To make it easier, use low heat and ample cooking time. Here’s how:
- Cook the chicken on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours to ensure it becomes tender.
- Once cooked, remove it gently from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it apart; it should pull apart easily.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker to soak up more flavor before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve the perfect shredded chicken that’s flavorful and tender! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Peach BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on your BBQ sauce saltiness)
Extras:
- Cooking spray or oil (for slow cooker insert, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker. You’ll need 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. It’s perfect for a busy day – just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or brushing it with a little oil. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they’re lying flat so they cook evenly.
3. Layer the Onions:
Next, spread the thinly sliced onions on top of the chicken. This will add flavor as they cook down.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, gather your peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and any salt if needed. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Pour the Sauce:
Pour your peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and onions. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce for maximum flavor!
6. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easy to shred by the time it’s done.
7. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out using tongs and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
8. Return the Chicken:
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the peach BBQ sauce to soak up that delicious flavor.
9. Final Warm-Up:
Let the chicken warm in the sauce on LOW for another 15-20 minutes so it can soak up more goodies.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the peach BBQ chicken hot, and serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. Enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness!
This recipe is not only easy but also perfect for those busy days when you still want a tasty home-cooked meal!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
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 use the microwave’s defrost setting if you’re short on time. Ensure it’s well-cooked before shredding!
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can easily substitute it with apricot jam or mango chutney for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the substitute retains a similar sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with This Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on a toasted bun as a BBQ chicken sandwich. For a healthier option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!
