This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a winning dish! Juicy chicken cooked slowly with a tasty peach barbecue sauce makes every bite full of flavor.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks! I love serving it with rice or on buns for a finger-licking meal. You’ll want to make this again and again! 🍑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for something different, you can substitute turkey or even use chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves or jam adds a lovely sweetness. If fresh peaches are in season, you could mash them and use them instead. Apricot preserves can also work well in place of peach!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. If you’re aiming for less sugar, try a low-sugar or homemade version with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. You could also use a mustard-based sauce for a tangy twist.
Onion and Garlic: Thinly sliced onions and minced garlic give a nice base flavor. Feel free to switch to shallots for a milder taste or use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
How Do You Ensure Tender, Shredded Chicken?
Getting perfectly tender shredded chicken is key for this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- When layering in the slow cooker, the onions and garlic sit at the bottom, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Cook it low and slow—using low heat for 6-7 hours is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours, but watch it to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption!
This method will help keep your chicken juicy and delicious, making every bite wonderful!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time followed by 6 to 7 hours of slow cooking on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. After you mix everything in the slow cooker, just let it work its magic while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a tasty base for your chicken to cook on.
2. Add the Chicken:
Now, layer the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs right on top of the onions and garlic. No need to worry about them being perfectly arranged—they will cook down and get flavorful!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the peach preserves or jam, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir it well until everything is smooth and blended.
4. Pour Over Chicken:
Take the delicious peach BBQ sauce and pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is well coated to soak up all that lovely flavor!
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, give it 6 to 7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will work, too. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when it’s done.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily and will be super juicy!
7. Combine with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. This will help every bit of chicken soak up all the delicious flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the peach BBQ chicken hot, either over a bed of mashed potatoes or on sandwich buns for a tasty meal.
Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of this juicy slow cooker peach BBQ chicken! It’s a real crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Simply increase the cooking time; it will typically take about 1-2 additional hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) before shredding.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peach BBQ sauce and chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready, cook it in the slow cooker. It actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Peach BBQ Chicken?
This chicken is fantastic served on sandwich buns for a delicious BBQ sandwich or over rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a salad for a lighter option. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over the top!
