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The Best Peach Barbecue Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

These Peach Barbecue Shredded Chicken Sandwiches are sweet, tangy, saucy, and made right on the stovetop. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are browned, simmered in a peach BBQ sauce, shredded directly in the pot, and cooked until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. This is an easy weeknight dinner with summery barbecue flavor and no slow cooker required.
Print Recipe
Peach Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Peach Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 cup peach preserves or 12 oz for a sweeter sauce
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Serving

  • Sandwich buns

Instructions

  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken thighs and brown for 2–3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
  • While the chicken browns, whisk together the peach preserves, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the peach barbecue sauce over the chicken.
  • Cover and simmer gently for 25–35 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
  • Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
  • Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the shredded chicken.
  • Serve warm on sandwich buns.

Notes

This recipe is on the sweeter side because of the peach preserves. If you prefer a less sweet barbecue flavor, reduce the peach preserves and use closer to 1 cup instead of the full 12 oz.
Use a BBQ sauce you already like, since the flavor will come through in the final chicken.
Chicken thighs work especially well because they stay juicy and shred easily after simmering.
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the sauce is added. If the heat is too high, the sauce may reduce too quickly or scorch.
The chicken is great for sandwiches, but it can also be served over rice, with potatoes, or as part of a simple dinner plate.
Servings: 4