This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a perfect summer dish! Juicy chicken swims in a tasty mix of sweet peaches and zesty BBQ sauce. Just toss it in your slow cooker, and you’re good to go!
I love how the chicken gets so tender you could almost use a fork instead of a knife. Serve it over rice or with a bun, and watch everyone go for seconds. It’s that good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they’re easy to shred. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs will give you even more flavor and tenderness.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves provide sweetness and depth. If you can’t find them, you can use peach or apricot jam, or even a store-bought BBQ sauce that has a fruity flavor. I’ve also tried it with mango chutney, and it’s delicious!
BBQ Sauce: A good BBQ sauce brings everything together. Pick one that you love! If you want to cut sugar, try a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add great flavor. You can substitute the onion with shallots or use onion powder if you’re in a pinch. Fresh garlic is fantastic, but garlic powder will do in a hurry.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is simple, but there are a few key notes to keep in mind for the best results.
- Layer ingredients properly: Start with the onions and garlic at the bottom for even cooking and to avoid burning.
- Don’t over-cook: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Chicken should be tender but not mushy—6-7 hours on low is ideal!
- Shred with care: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes and then shred it while it’s still warm for easier handling.
This slow cooker recipe is all about convenience. Just set and forget, then enjoy the delightful aroma of your chicken cooking away!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh peach slices or chopped peaches (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let the chicken cook for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. After cooking, you’ll spend a few minutes shredding the chicken and mixing it with the flavorful sauce. In total, set aside about 7-8 hours for a delicious, hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for your chicken.
2. Season the Chicken:
Lightly season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything is well blended. This mixture is what will add wonderful flavor to your chicken!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure that each piece of chicken is nicely coated with the sauce.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
7. Mix it All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to ensure every piece is well coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is ready to be served hot! Garnish with fresh peach slices if you like. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or is delicious as a sandwich filling. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook them on the high setting for at least 4-5 hours to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender. No need to thaw beforehand; it will cook through just fine!
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves on hand, feel free to use apricot jam, mango chutney, or even another fruit preserve like apple or raspberry. Each will add its own unique flavor while still keeping the dish sweet and flavorful.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can enhance the dish. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the chicken and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Cook time remains the same!
