Introduction
Oh, friends, do you ever get those cravings for something that’s just pure comfort? Something that smells incredible as it cooks, fills your home with warmth, and tastes like a sunny afternoon? Well, get ready, because I’ve got a recipe that’s going to hit all those sweet spots and then some! This Slow Cooker Chicken with Peach Barbecue Glaze is an absolute game-changer. It’s so ridiculously easy, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life, and the flavor? Oh, the flavor is out of this world delicious. Think tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky peach barbecue glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes even a weeknight feel like a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast Prep: Seriously, you’ll spend more time reaching for the ingredients than actually making it!
- Incredibly Easy: Dump and go! Perfect for busy bees and beginner cooks.
- Giftable Goodness: Imagine gifting a batch of this pre-cooked chicken for a new parent or a friend who’s under the weather. Just add your favorite sides!
- Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike will devour this. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe. You probably have most of them already!
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breast or Thighs: I love using chicken thighs because they stay extra moist and tender in the slow cooker, but chicken breasts work wonderfully too! Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
- 12 ounces Peach Preserves or Jam: This is the star of our glaze, bringing that beautiful sweet peach flavor. Any good quality peach preserves or jam will do the trick.
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will add that classic smoky, tangy depth. Use whatever you love – sweet, spicy, or a good all-rounder!
- 1/2 tsp Mustard: Just a little bit of mustard adds a subtle tang and helps balance the sweetness of the peach. Dijon or yellow mustard works perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (Optional): If you like a little warmth, these are your best friend! They add a gentle kick that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
- Salt: To enhance all those amazing flavors.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper always adds a nice touch.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this party started in the slow cooker! It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a culinary magician.
- Season the Chicken: First things first, let’s get those chicken pieces seasoned. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. This is a simple step, but it makes such a difference in the final flavor!
- Whip Up the Glaze: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Pour in your peach preserves or jam, your favorite BBQ sauce, the mustard, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, sprinkle in those red chili flakes. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully combined. It should look like a gorgeous, glossy sauce.
- Into the Slow Cooker They Go: Place your seasoned chicken pieces directly into your slow cooker. Arrange them so they’re not too crowded.
- Glaze it Up: Now, pour that luscious peach barbecue glaze all over the chicken. Make sure to get every last bit of that deliciousness over the meat.
- Let the Magic Happen: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You have two options: cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and incredibly tender, easily shreddable with a fork. I usually opt for the low setting as it makes the chicken extra succulent, but the high setting is perfect for when you’re in a bit more of a time crunch.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Fruit Swap: Don’t have peach preserves? Apricot jam or even cherry preserves can be a delicious substitute for a different fruity twist.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier glaze, add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some finely diced jalapeño to the glaze mixture.
- Savory Additions: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of soy sauce can add another layer of savory umami to the glaze.
- Onion Power: Throw in a sliced onion or some chopped garlic cloves with the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- Smoky Kick: A teaspoon of smoked paprika in the glaze will give it an even deeper smoky profile.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Slow Cooker Chicken with Peach BBQ Glaze turns out absolutely perfect every time? I’ve got you covered with a few pro tips!
- Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker is forgiving, chicken breasts can dry out. If using breasts, check them at the lower end of the cooking time to ensure they remain moist.
- Shredding is Key: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. This allows the chicken to soak up even more of that delicious glaze.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the chicken, stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker, and cook on high for about 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Prep Ahead: You can mix the glaze ingredients together and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before you plan to cook the chicken. This makes the actual “cooking” day even quicker!
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.
Once cooled, store any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken with Peach BBQ Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for even longer storage. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for this recipe, offering great flavor and moisture.
How do I serve this chicken?
This chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it on buns for delicious sandwiches, over rice or mashed potatoes, mixed into salads, or alongside your favorite grilled vegetables. It’s great for meal prep too!
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Typically, you’d use the “Sauté” function to brown the chicken (optional but recommended), then add the glaze and cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural or quick release.
Is the red chili flake optional really optional?
Yes, it’s truly optional! If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for little ones, you can definitely leave it out. The peach glaze is still wonderfully flavorful without it.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Peach BBQ Glaze
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Medium bowl
- Forks for shredding
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breast or Thighs Thighs are recommended for extra moisture
- 12 ounces Peach Preserves or Jam Any good quality peach preserves or jam
- 0.5 cup BBQ Sauce Your favorite BBQ sauce
- 0.5 tsp Mustard Dijon or yellow mustard
- 0.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes Optional, for a little warmth
- Salt
- Pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine peach preserves or jam, BBQ sauce, mustard, and optional red chili flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, arranging them without overcrowding.
- Pour the peach barbecue glaze evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up the glaze.