This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is all about juicy chicken coated in sweet and tangy peach barbecue sauce. It’s simple and perfect for busy days!
You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love serving this with rice or over a bun—it’s like a summer party on a plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to shred. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try using jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Peach Preserves: I love using peach preserves for their sweet flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, try apricot preserves as a substitute. They give a similar sweetness and depth.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s a sweet, tangy, or smoky one. For a healthier option, look for low-sugar varieties. You can also make homemade BBQ sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Onion: Sliced onions add a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them or use shallots as a milder alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as substitutes.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to make it easier:
- Let the chicken cook until it’s really tender. It should fall apart easily with a fork!
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Start by pulling it in opposite directions to get nice shreds.
- Mix shredded chicken with the sauce in the slow cooker to keep it juicy and flavorful.
For even easier shredding, you can use a hand mixer on a low setting—just be careful not to overdo it!
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 brand)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the slow cooker: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day—you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken to sit on and allows them to caramelize nicely during cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. This will add a delicious flavor to the meat. Once seasoned, place the chicken right on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, combine the peach preserves (or jam), barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This sweet and tangy sauce will coat the chicken beautifully.
4. Combine and Cook:
Now, pour the peach barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly covered. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
5. Shred and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken to coat it with the sauce. Serve it hot as a main dish with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pile it on sandwich buns for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich.
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and totally satisfying Peach BBQ Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow about 8 hours, or around 4-5 hours on high. The chicken needs to be cooked all the way through, so always check using a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe temperature for chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, apricot jam or even orange marmalade can work as excellent substitutes. They offer similar sweetness and flavor profiles that will complement the BBQ sauce nicely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños into the sauce. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce to amp up the flavor! Adjust according to your spice preference.
