This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with sweet peach and zesty BBQ sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy days!
Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Trust me, you’ll want to keep some extra sauce on hand for dipping—it’s that good! 🐔🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they tend to stay juicier during cooking. However, chicken breasts work just as well! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could also use turkey breast.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves give that sweet, fruity flavor. If they’re not available, you can use peach jam or even apricot preserves in a pinch. They’ll still add a nice sweetness to the dish!
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce is perfect here. If you’re watching sugar, try a no-sugar-added BBQ sauce, or make your own blend of tomato sauce with vinegar and spices for better health control.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika can work too. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for some heat, or even swap in different herbs to match your taste.
How Do I Get the Chicken Super Tender?
The key to tender chicken in a slow cooker is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to make sure it turns out perfectly:
- Always use the low setting for maximum tenderness; cooking on high can lead to tougher meat.
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in the sauce mixture to lock in moisture.
- After shredding, let the chicken sit in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
This technique helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, making your peach BBQ chicken unforgettable!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced fresh peaches (about 1/2 cup) for extra peach flavor
- Butter (for serving over mashed potatoes, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker. Spread them out so they cook evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well blended to create a tasty sauce!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to ensure that all the pieces are nicely coated. If you’d like, you can add sliced fresh peaches on top for pops of flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, take the chicken out of the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily!
6. Combine and Rest:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve your peach BBQ chicken hot! It’s delicious over buttery mashed potatoes, or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every sweet and tangy bite!
Bon appétit! 🍑🍗
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first for even cooking. The safest way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the cold water method: place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or some more barbecue sauce to balance the flavor. You can also mix in a teaspoon or two of mustard for some tanginess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and it’ll be as tasty as fresh!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
