Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for a casual meal or game day gathering.

Rhea Bennett

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:49:08.464Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a household favorite, known for their ease of preparation and incredible flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken is infused with a spicy BBQ sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Serve them on soft buns with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, flavorful chicken that practically falls apart
  • Perfectly balanced spicy and sweet BBQ sauce
  • Convenient one-pot meal with minimal cleanup

The Perfect Party Dish

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are not just a meal; they are the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you're hosting a game day party or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and zesty BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible.

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can customize the level of spiciness in the BBQ sauce to cater to your guests' preferences. For those who love a kick, add some extra chili powder or hot sauce. If you have kids or guests who prefer milder flavors, simply stick to a regular BBQ sauce. This versatility makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Effortless Cooking with the Crockpot

Using a crockpot for this recipe means you can set it and forget it! Simply combine all your ingredients in the pot and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks. This is especially convenient for busy weeknights or when you're preparing multiple dishes for a gathering. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that's bursting with taste.

Another significant advantage of using a crockpot is the minimal cleanup required. With just one pot to wash, you can enjoy more time with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these sandwiches, the possibilities are endless! While classic hamburger buns are a great choice, consider trying them on brioche or even pretzel buns for an elevated twist. Adding a side of crispy fries or onion rings will complement the meal perfectly, making it a hit at your next gathering.

Don't forget the toppings! Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the BBQ chicken. Pickles bring an extra layer of flavor and acidity that elevates the entire sandwich. Feel free to experiment with other toppings like jalapeños, cheese, or even avocado for a unique spin.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Gather all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook in the Crockpot

Transfer the chicken mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.

Serve

Serve the spicy BBQ chicken on hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired. Enjoy!

Be sure to enjoy your sandwiches with a side of chips or fries!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or after a busy weeknight dinner. Just be sure to separate the chicken from the buns to keep them fresh until you're ready to enjoy them again.

When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. For a quick fix, simply pop the chicken in the microwave until heated through. If you prefer a crispy bun, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet and toast the buns in the oven. This way, you can recreate that fresh-out-of-the-crockpot experience, even on day two!

Nutritional Information

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are not only delicious but can also fit into a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, making it a filling meal. By using lean chicken breasts and a moderate amount of BBQ sauce, you can enjoy this dish without feeling guilty.

To make it even healthier, you can opt for whole-grain buns or skip the bun altogether and serve the chicken over a fresh salad. This way, you can indulge in the flavors without compromising on nutrition, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?

You can use homemade BBQ sauce or a different store-bought variety, depending on your taste preference.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken the day before and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these sandwiches are great for meal prep! Store the chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for a casual meal or game day gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Rhea Bennett

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  1. 6 hamburger buns
  2. Coleslaw (optional)
  3. Pickles (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 02

Transfer the chicken mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 04

Serve the spicy BBQ chicken on hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 28g