Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings!
This recipe for Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is not just a meal; it's an experience! With tender, juicy chicken cooked in a zesty BBQ sauce, it's perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender and juicy chicken infused with bold flavors
- Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
- Perfectly spicy for a kick without overwhelming heat
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
The Perfect Comfort Food
When you're in need of a comforting meal, few things can compete with a warm, hearty sandwich. Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches deliver on both flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender chicken and zesty BBQ sauce wrapped in a soft bun creates an experience that's both satisfying and indulgent. Whether it's a chilly evening or a fun-filled gathering, these sandwiches are bound to please everyone at the table.
This recipe takes the classic BBQ chicken sandwich to new heights with a spicy twist. The careful balance of heat and flavor makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals without overwhelming their palate. It's a culinary adventure that invites you to savor each bite while keeping the cooking process simple and stress-free.
Versatile Meal for Any Occasion
One of the standout features of these Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is their versatility. They are perfect for a laid-back family dinner, but they also shine at parties, potlucks, and game day events. The easy preparation allows you to focus on enjoying time with your guests rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Simply set the crockpot and let it work its magic, freeing you up to attend to other tasks.
Additionally, they can be customized to suit various tastes. You can adjust the spiciness to cater to your guests' preferences or add unique toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or different types of cheese. This adaptability ensures that everyone can enjoy a sandwich that aligns with their personal taste, making it an inclusive dish for gatherings.
Meal Prep Friendly
For those looking to streamline their weekly meals, this recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep. The shredded chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to assemble quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just grab a bun, heat the chicken, and you’re ready to go! This not only saves time but also helps you maintain a healthy eating routine amidst a busy schedule.
Moreover, the chicken can be frozen for longer storage. Prepare a double batch and freeze half for later use. This ensures you always have a delicious meal on hand, and all you need to do is thaw and reheat. It’s a smart way to minimize food waste while maximizing flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Serve the shredded chicken on burger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!
Tips for the Best Results
To elevate the flavor of your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in even tastier sandwiches. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces; smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties can each add a unique twist to the final dish.
For those who prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid of the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. This will concentrate the flavors and give you that rich, sticky BBQ sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but enhancing them with sides can make for a complete meal. Consider pairing them with classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a true BBQ experience. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests raving about your cooking skills.
For a lighter option, serve the sandwiches with a fresh garden salad or a side of grilled vegetables. The crunch and freshness of the salad will complement the richness of the BBQ chicken, creating a balanced meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For an even better experience, consider reheating it on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
If you have a larger batch, freeze the shredded chicken in portion-sized containers for easy future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it incredibly convenient to enjoy these delicious sandwiches whenever the craving strikes, without the need to cook from scratch each time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time.
→ What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a smoky flavor works great with this recipe.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the chicken ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?
Great sides include potato chips, fries, or a simple salad.
Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful and easy meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings!
Created by: Sloane Patterson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Pickles (optional)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
Serve the shredded chicken on burger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 35g