This Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet peaches and tangy barbecue sauce. Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the work!
It’s so simple that even a busy bee can manage it! I love serving it with rice or on a bun for a tasty meal. You might just find yourself licking the sauce off your fingers! 🍑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this recipe as it becomes tender and easily shreddable. For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just skip the cooking step and mix it with the sauce.
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves bring a sweet, fruity flavor. If you can’t find them, peach jam or even a store-bought peach salsa could work. You can also make your own quick peach compote using fresh or frozen peaches.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand! For a unique twist, try fruit-flavored barbecue sauces, like apple or mango, to complement the peaches. Homemade barbecue sauce is also an excellent substitute.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. For a different flavor, coconut aminos could be a lighter choice.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken from drying out, follow these simple tips:
- Cook on the low setting of your slow cooker for a longer time instead of high. This gently breaks down the chicken fibers, keeping it juicy.
- Make sure to cover your slow cooker well while cooking to trap in moisture.
- Don’t lift the lid too often! Each time you do, steam escapes and can lengthen cooking time.
Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to soak up more of that tasty peach BBQ sauce, making every bite flavorful and moist!
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 tbsp soy sauce (optional for a savory depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Fresh peach slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to cook it for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. So, get everything ready in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a deliciously sweet and tangy meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a solid base for the juicy sauce to soak into.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peach preserves, barbecue sauce, soy sauce (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is the magic sauce that will make your chicken super flavorful!
3. Pour the Sauce:
Now, pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is coated well. This will ensure it absorbs all that tasty flavor during cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you have time, choose the low setting for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3-4 hours will work too! The chicken is done when it’s tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily if it’s cooked well.
6. Stir It Together:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, combining everything nicely. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, even though it’s already done, to help the flavors mingle.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Peach BBQ Chicken is now ready! Serve it warm alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or on a sandwich bun. For a fun touch, garnish with fresh peach slices to bring out that fruity flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Happy Cooking! 🍑🍗
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly if the chicken is still partially frozen.
Can I Substitute the Peach Preserves?
Absolutely! If you can’t find peach preserves, you can use peach jam, fresh peaches, or even a peach salsa for a savory twist. Just make sure the mixture maintains a similar sweet and fruity profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns. For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness of the peach BBQ chicken!
