Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Indulge in the savory goodness of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for game days or weeknight dinners.

Sloane Patterson

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2025-12-28T21:07:12.002Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken absorbs all the smoky and spicy notes from the BBQ sauce, making each bite utterly delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and flavorful chicken that's easy to shred
  • Perfectly balanced spicy BBQ sauce
  • Great for gatherings and easy to prepare

The Perfect Comfort Food

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a zesty BBQ sauce creates a dish that's not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. It's a meal that the whole family will love, making it a staple in your recipe rotation.

Cooking in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it. Just toss the ingredients in, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. You'll love coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of BBQ chicken wafting through the house. Plus, the low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and full of flavor, making it a foolproof recipe for any home cook.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is their versatility. Feel free to customize the level of spice to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the cayenne pepper or opt for a BBQ sauce that leans towards the sweeter side. Conversely, spice lovers can add extra heat with additional cayenne or even some chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick.

Additionally, you can switch up the toppings to create your perfect sandwich. Traditional coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the spicy BBQ sauce, while pickles bring a refreshing tang. For a twist, consider adding sliced jalapeños, avocado, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own every time you whip it up.

Serving Suggestions

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with sides can elevate your meal. Consider serving them alongside classic sides like potato chips, baked beans, or a refreshing salad for a complete dining experience. The contrast of the spicy chicken with these sides creates a well-rounded meal that's sure to impress your guests.

For an extra touch, you could also set up a sandwich bar. Lay out all the toppings and let everyone build their own sandwiches according to their preferences. This not only adds a fun element to your gathering but also allows each person to customize their meal, making it a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Make sure to adjust the spices according to your heat preference!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a crockpot, place the chicken breasts and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Cook the Chicken

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

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it well with the sauce in the crockpot.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Serve the shredded chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you're in luck! Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and moisture. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious sandwiches throughout the week without the hassle of cooking each day.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of BBQ sauce or water to keep it moist. This dish is incredibly forgiving, and you'll find that the flavors become even more pronounced after sitting for a day.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is an excellent choice for meal prepping. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it easy to whip up a large batch. You can prepare enough chicken for several meals, and the shredded chicken can be used in various ways beyond just sandwiches. Consider using it in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for nachos.

By preparing a big batch, you not only save time but also ensure that you have delicious, homemade meals ready to go. Just portion out the shredded chicken into containers, and you’ll have tasty lunches or dinners waiting for you all week long.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

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

→ What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy; sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair well with potato chips, fries, or a fresh salad.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Indulge in the savory goodness of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for game days or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Sloane Patterson

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon chili powder
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a crockpot, place the chicken breasts and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Step 03

Cover the crockpot 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 and mix it well with the sauce in the crockpot.

Step 05

Serve the shredded chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 36g