This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Juicy chicken simmers in a tasty peach barbecue sauce, making every bite a treat!
The best part? You toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax! I love serving it over rice or with fresh veggies—simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are fantastic for this dish as they stay moist while cooking. However, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor or even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Peach Preserves: If you can’t find peach preserves, you can use peach jam or even apricot preserves. The sweetness and fruity flavor are crucial for that BBQ twist!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to get the taste you love! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice works as well with a slightly different flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender in the Slow Cooker?
Keeping chicken tender in a slow cooker is all about the cooking time and moisture. Always cover the slow cooker properly to retain moisture and avoid overcooking.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours to ensure it’s juicy and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the cooker to soak up more of that delicious sauce.
Using enough liquid like the BBQ sauce and peach preserves helps too! Just keep an eye on the time for the best results.
Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh peach slices and chopped cilantro or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, sit back and relax while it does all the hard work for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. This will ensure they cook evenly and soak up all that yummy sauce!
2. Make the Peach BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth—this is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour that luscious peach BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure all the chicken is covered. Then, cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred and Mix:
When the chicken is done, use two forks to gently shred it right in the slow cooker. This way, it soaks up more of that delicious sauce. Stir it all together until the chicken is well coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to eat! Serve your peach BBQ chicken over rice, in sandwich buns, or with your favorite sides for a complete meal. If you’d like, top it off with fresh peach slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley for a delightful finishing touch!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy slow cooker dish! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for the best results. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quick thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Peach Preserves?
If you don’t have peach preserves, you can substitute with peach jam or even apricot preserves. The key is to use something sweet that provides the fruity flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Peach BBQ Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring periodically to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for additional heat!
