This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is your go-to for delicious flavors with zero fuss! Tender chicken simmers in a sweet peach BBQ sauce, making every bite a treat.
You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a yummy aroma while cooking. I often serve it over rice or with fresh veggies. Perfect for those busy days when you want comfort food without the hassle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves provide sweetness and flavor. If they’re not available, try using peach jam, or even a different fruit jam like apricot or mango for a fun twist. Just be mindful of the sweetness level.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or homemade. I like a tangy sauce to balance the sweetness of the peaches. If you’re looking for a healthier option, there are sugar-free BBQ sauces available.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or use onion powder as a substitute. I sometimes use a red onion for a sweeter profile!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine, or you can leave it out for a cleaner flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender chicken lies in the slow cooking process. Always make sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce to keep it juicy. Here are some steps to maximize flavor:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking. This helps to build layers of flavor.
- Keep the lid on the slow cooker while it’s cooking; this retains moisture and flavors.
- Shred the chicken after cooking to absorb more sauce. Mixing it back into the sauce lets every piece soak up that peachy goodness!
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup peach preserves (or peach jam)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to add a slight tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook in the slow cooker. Perfect for a busy day when you want a flavorful meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Base:
Start by placing the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for your chicken to cook on and ensure it stays juicy.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste; that’s what cooking is all about!
3. Arrange the Chicken:
Now, lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
4. Create the BBQ Sauce:
Grab a bowl and mix together the peach preserves and barbecue sauce. If you want an extra kick, add in the apple cider vinegar. Stir everything until it’s well blended—this is going to be your delicious topping!
5. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Pour your peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. It should cover them well but don’t worry if some parts are not completely submerged!
6. Cook It Slow:
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. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the chicken simmers away!
7. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily.
8. Mix It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce until it’s well coated. This step ensures each bite is full of flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious slow cooker peach BBQ chicken hot, alongside your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh veggies work great. Enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness!
Happy cooking and enjoy your juicy, sweet, and tangy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper temperature. However, make sure they are not in large clumps to cook evenly!
Can I Substitute the Peach Preserves?
Absolutely! If you don’t have peach preserves, feel free to use peach jam, apricot preserves, or even raspberry jam for a twist. Just adjust the sweetness level according to your taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad. You can also use it in sandwiches or on top of salads for a delicious twist!
