Slow Cooker Peach Bbq Sauce Chicken Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipe for Summer

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker peach bbq sauce chicken dish promises an explosion of tangy sweetness that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Summer’s ripe peaches blend perfectly with smoky barbecue flavors for an unexpectedly delightful meal.

Tender chicken absorbs every delectable note of this fruity sauce, creating a memorable dining experience.

Southern-inspired comfort meets modern cooking techniques in this simple yet stunning recipe.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to produce a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free cooking adventure.

Your taste buds will dance with joy when this incredible combination hits the plate.

Fall-Off-The-Bone Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Sauce Chicken

  • Toss chicken into the slow cooker and sprinkle with simple seasonings for a hands-off cooking experience that requires minimal kitchen skills.
  • Spend just minutes prepping ingredients, then let the slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy free time with family or tackle other tasks.
  • Combine sweet peach BBQ sauce with savory chicken for a mouthwatering meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Shred the tender chicken to use in sandwiches, over rice, or as a topping for salads, providing multiple meal possibilities from a single recipe.

Everything That Goes Into This BBQ Peach Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that absorbs the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, best when fresh and boneless for even cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Classic spice combination that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile. Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky note that complements the BBQ sauce.
Sauce Components:
  • Peach Preserves: Sweet base that creates a rich, fruity foundation for the BBQ sauce. Choose high-quality preserves with real fruit chunks for maximum flavor.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Tangy and robust sauce that provides the classic BBQ taste. Opt for a smoky or original style sauce for best results.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness of the peach preserves.

Steps for Making Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken

Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Season Chicken with Spice Blend

Sprinkle chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika

Create Peach BBQ Sauce Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ripe peaches
  • Tomato sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes

Pour Sauce Over Chicken

Gently pour the peach BBQ sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely.

Set Slow Cooker Settings

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Check Chicken Doneness

Verify chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Shred and Serve

Remove chicken from slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Stir shredded chicken back into the remaining sauce.

Plate and Garnish

Transfer shredded peach BBQ chicken to serving plates. Optional garnishes include:
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Pro Tips for Juicy Peach BBQ Chicken in the Slow Cooker

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat compared to chicken breasts.
  • Prevent Dryness: Avoid overcooking by checking chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat meat.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
  • Enhance Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thin, remove chicken after cooking and simmer sauce on stovetop to thicken and concentrate flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and marinate chicken overnight in refrigerator for deeper, more developed taste profile before slow cooking.

Save and Reheat This BBQ Chicken Like a Champ

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and warm in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

Great Sides to Serve With This Peach BBQ Chicken

  • Serve the succulent chicken over a bed of smooth, whipped sweet potato mash that absorbs the tangy peach BBQ sauce beautifully.
  • Toss a summer slaw with green apple, cabbage, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the barbecue chicken and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Select a chilled Riesling with slight sweetness that mirrors the peach notes, or choose a light Pinot Noir that complements the smoky undertones of the dish.
  • Prepare coconut rice or herbed quinoa as a subtle, nutty base that soaks up the delicious sauce without overwhelming the chicken's delicate peach BBQ flavor.

Try a Twist on This BBQ Chicken for a New Flavor

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular BBQ sauce with a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who love extra heat and a zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium BBQ sauce and minimize added salt, perfect for individuals monitoring their sodium intake.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken breasts with firm tofu or jackfruit, maintaining the same cooking method and seasoning for plant-based eaters.

Common Questions About This Peach BBQ Chicken Dish

  • What ingredients make the BBQ sauce unique?

Fresh peaches and classic BBQ sauce ingredients create a sweet and tangy flavor profile, combining summer fruit with traditional barbecue seasonings.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, frozen chicken breasts work well. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check that all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Most basic spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are naturally gluten-free.

  • How spicy is this chicken dish?

The recipe is mild with a hint of smokiness from the paprika. If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Peach Bbq Sauce Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Peach Bbq Sauce Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy slow cooker peach BBQ sauce chicken brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Succulent chicken bathes in sweet-tangy peach sauce, promising a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (340 grams) peach preserves (or fresh peaches, blended)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Gently nestle chicken breasts into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  2. Generously dust the chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to coat each piece thoroughly.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together peach preserves, tangy barbecue sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until the mixture achieves a smooth, glossy consistency.
  4. Pour the vibrant peach BBQ sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken, making sure every piece is lavishly covered and swimming in the flavorful liquid.
  5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to gently simmer and absorb the sweet and smoky flavors for 4-6 hours.
  6. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and transfer to a serving platter, using two forks to shred the meat into tender, succulent strands.
  7. Optional: For an extra layer of caramelization, briefly broil the shredded chicken in the oven, brushing with additional sauce to create a slightly crisp exterior.
  8. Drizzle the remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the shredded chicken, ensuring each morsel is infused with the rich, peachy barbecue essence.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier shredding in the slow cooker.
  • Allow chicken to marinate briefly in the spice blend to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Use fresh peaches when in season for a brighter, more vibrant taste; frozen peaches work well during off-seasons.
  • Adjust barbecue sauce sweetness by selecting a sauce with your preferred sugar level or adding honey for extra depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star