This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a tasty blend of sweet peaches and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s super simple to make—you just need a slow cooker and a few ingredients!
I love how the chicken gets juicy and tender while soaking up all that delicious flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends. Yum! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work just fine too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go ahead with chicken breasts.
Peach Preserves: If you can’t find peach preserves or want something less sweet, you can use peach salsa instead. It will give you that fruity flavor with a nice kick!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, or try making a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also swap it for a low-sugar or spicy barbecue sauce to fit your taste.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute with regular paprika.
How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can be tricky, but it’s easier than you might think! After cooking, let the chicken cool for a minute before shredding.
- Use two forks: One to hold the chicken in place and the other to pull apart the meat.
- For a quicker method, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce well for great flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh peach slices or chopped peaches (optional, for extra peach flavor and garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time in the slow cooker. You can cook it on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. It’s a perfect dish to make while you’re busy with other tasks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure to lay them in an even layer for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves (or jam), barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s fully blended.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the delicious sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. If you’d like, add fresh peach slices or chopped peaches on top of the chicken for an extra fruity flavor!
4. Cook it Up:
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. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the great flavors of the sauce.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce so that every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your peach BBQ chicken hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or in soft sandwiches. It’s a meal that everyone will love!
7. Garnish (Optional):
If you want to add a little extra color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. Enjoy this succulent, sweet, and tangy slow-cooked chicken—perfect for an easy comforting meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even results. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the chicken and sauce to the slow cooker on the day you wish to cook it.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
What Can I Serve with Peach BBQ Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sandwich. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the sweetness!
