This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a fun and tasty dish! Tender chicken cooks with sweet peaches and delicious barbecue sauce, creating a yummy meal with very little fuss.
The best part? You just pop everything in the slow cooker and go about your day! I love serving it over rice or with coleslaw. It’s a sure hit at dinner time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is a must for easy shredding and cooking. If you prefer dark meat, go for thighs! They give great flavor and won’t dry out as easily.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite brand works, but homemade can be a fun twist. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a low-sugar option or use a homemade recipe with fresh ingredients.
Peach Preserves: If you can’t find peach preserves, try apricot preserves instead. They give a similar sweetness and work wonderfully with chicken.
Fresh Peaches: In a pinch, canned peaches work fine. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid added liquid in your dish.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but the slow cooker does a lot of the work for you! Here are some tips:
- Layer chicken in the bottom so it gets evenly cooked by the heat.
- Shred the chicken right in the sauce to soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Cook on low for a longer time for extra tenderness. If you’re busy, set it on low for 6-7 hours.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked peach BBQ chicken every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh peaches or canned peach slices, drained
- 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 recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After that, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on how much time you have. It’s truly a hands-off experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
3. Combine and Add Peaches:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, add the sliced peaches on top of everything—this will enhance the sweetness and flavor of the dish!
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook. You can choose low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is nice and tender.
5. Shred & Mix:
When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the flavorful sauce to coat it evenly.
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve your peach BBQ chicken over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a side of your favorite veggies. Enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful, sweet, and tangy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on high for an extra hour or two to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Always check the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, apricot preserves or even mango chutney can work as a great alternative. They will still provide the sweet flavor you’re looking for!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the recipe up to the cooking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before putting it in the slow cooker to take off the chill.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed to maintain moisture.
