Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with these Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Perfect for a family dinner or a game day gathering!

Freya Cooper

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:34:15.758Z

This recipe brings together the flavors of sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, perfectly tender chicken, and a soft bun for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy days, just let your crockpot do all the work!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient slow-cooking method for a hands-off meal
  • Perfectly tender chicken infused with spicy BBQ flavor
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week

Easy Preparation

One of the greatest benefits of this Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have your slow cooker doing all the work. There's no need to spend hours in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on other tasks or enjoy quality time with family and friends. The ingredients are easy to find, making this dish accessible for any home cook.

Just place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, season them, and mix up your flavorful sauce. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, ensuring that your chicken becomes perfectly tender and infused with delicious spicy BBQ flavor. This hands-off approach is ideal for busy weeknights or weekends filled with activities.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a family reunion, or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of spicy BBQ chicken and fresh coleslaw on a soft bun is sure to please guests of all ages.

Additionally, the recipe is easily scalable. You can double or halve the ingredients to suit your needs, allowing you to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed in various ways, such as on salads, in wraps, or even on nachos!

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of this recipe is the ability to customize it to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply opt for a less spicy BBQ sauce, or mix in some honey or maple syrup to balance the heat. On the other hand, if you're a heat enthusiast, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

You can also experiment with different toppings for your sandwiches. While coleslaw is a classic choice, feel free to add sliced pickles, avocado, or even cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture. Each variation allows you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences perfectly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious sandwiches:

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw for topping (optional)

These ingredients will create a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that everyone will love!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the spicy BBQ sauce, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.

Cook the Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

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, topped with coleslaw if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the spicy BBQ chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

For best results when reheating, add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep the chicken moist. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to maintain the chicken's tender texture. You can serve the reheated chicken on fresh buns or incorporate it into other dishes, such as tacos or salads.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Consider serving with crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or classic potato chips to add some crunch. The contrast of textures and flavors will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

For a fun twist, set up a sandwich bar with various toppings and sides. Allow guests to build their own sandwiches with options like sliced jalapeños, cheese, or different types of slaw. This interactive dining experience not only adds excitement but also caters to individual preferences, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then cook it the next day.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

They pair well with chips, pickles, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute with pork or beef for a different flavor profile.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with these Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Perfect for a family dinner or a game day gathering!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Freya Cooper

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  3. 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  4. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  5. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  6. 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  7. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  8. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. 6 hamburger buns
  11. Coleslaw for topping (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the spicy BBQ sauce, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.

Step 03

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 04

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 05

Serve the spicy BBQ chicken on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 35g