Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the perfect blend of spice and sweetness with these delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:10:14.754Z

This Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken coated in a zesty BBQ sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, flavorful chicken that's easy to shred
  • Perfectly balanced spicy and sweet BBQ sauce
  • Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of heat and sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the BBQ sauce and hot sauce, creating a tender and juicy filling. Each bite bursts with a balanced flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dinner or a lively backyard BBQ.

The addition of smoked paprika and garlic powder enhances the overall taste of the dish, adding depth and richness. This recipe is designed to cater to both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder flavor, as you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference. Enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

Easy Meal Prep Solution

One of the best aspects of these Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is their versatility as a meal prep solution. The recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in bulk, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks.

These sandwiches are also great for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting a party, tailgating, or just looking for an easy meal to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, the options are endless! While the sandwiches are delicious on their own, adding a layer of coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the tender chicken. The coolness of the coleslaw balances the spicy BBQ sauce perfectly, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Don’t forget about pickles! Adding dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles can bring an extra zing to your sandwich. Their tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, elevating your meal even further. Feel free to get creative with your toppings, and make these sandwiches your own!

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Mix and match your favorite toppings to customize your sandwiches!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Add the Sauces

In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and hot sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir to combine with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Enjoy your delicious sandwiches!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ chicken, don't worry! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply place the shredded chicken in an airtight container, and it will be ready for quick meals throughout the week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if desired to keep it moist and flavorful.

For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded BBQ chicken. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and label it with the date. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Customizing Your BBQ Chicken

One of the best things about this Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste. For instance, if you're looking for a different flavor profile, try swapping the BBQ sauce for a different variety, such as a honey BBQ or a mustard-based sauce. Each variation will give you a unique twist on the classic recipe.

You can also mix in additional ingredients to amp up the flavor. Consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra sweetness and texture. Alternatively, for a smoky kick, toss in a few slices of jalapeño. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a BBQ chicken sandwich that truly reflects your personal taste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a sweet and spicy blend works particularly well.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken the night before and store it in the crockpot base in the fridge.

→ Are there any good side dishes to serve with this?

Potato chips, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad are great accompaniments.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy the perfect blend of spice and sweetness with these delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the BBQ Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  4. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  1. 4 hamburger buns
  2. Coleslaw (optional)
  3. Pickles (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and hot sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 04

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir to combine with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 30g