This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight! Juicy chicken simmers all day with a yummy peach barbecue sauce, making it super tender and full of flavor.
You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it with rice or on a bun—it’s the perfect quick dinner that’ll impress everyone! 🍑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier finish, but chicken breasts work well too! If you’re looking for a lighter version, try ground turkey or tofu as a meat substitute.
Peach Preserves: If you can’t find peach preserves, apricot or mango jam can be a delicious alternative. It’ll bring a slightly different flavor, but still tasty!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for this! If you like homemade, you can mix ketchup, honey, and a bit of vinegar. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar: You can swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice for a different kick in the sauce. Just a tablespoon adds a nice tang!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
To get tender, juicy chicken, it’s all about the cooking time and the right setting on your slow cooker. Here’s how to go about it:
- Use the low setting for about 6-7 hours if you can. This slow cooking method really helps tenderize the meat.
- If you’re short on time, the high setting for 3-4 hours is good too. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
- Once it’s cooked, shred the chicken straight in the slow cooker. This way, it soaks up even more of that delicious peach BBQ sauce!
Following these steps will help you serve up perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Once it’s ready, you’ll just need a few minutes to shred the chicken and serve it up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to cut or dice them—just lay them in whole!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together. Stir until everything is well combined and looks yummy!
3. Combine:
Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure every piece of chicken is well coated; it’ll soak up all that delicious flavor as it cooks!
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until it’s all mixed together. Yum!
6. Serve:
Your Peach BBQ Chicken is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns with extra sauce. It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy your juicy, tender Peach BBQ Chicken slow cooker meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time if you’re using the low setting, and about 30 minutes on high. Ensure it’s fully thawed before shredding for best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can use apricot or even mango jam as a substitute. Both will add a similar sweetness, just with a slightly different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in a pan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
