Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are packed with flavor and are incredibly easy to make. Just set it and forget it as your slow cooker does all the work!

Helena Wright

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-28T21:07:11.985Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The tender chicken is infused with a spicy BBQ sauce that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for game days or family dinners, these sandwiches are a simple yet delicious meal option.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, juicy chicken that falls apart with a fork
  • A perfect balance of spice and sweetness in the BBQ sauce
  • Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

Looking for a quick and satisfying meal to serve during the busy week? These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches fit the bill perfectly. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner waiting for you after a long day. The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors, making each bite tender and flavorful. Plus, the minimal hands-on time means you can spend more time enjoying the evening with your family or catching up on your favorite show.

These sandwiches also make for a fantastic meal prep option. You can easily scale the recipe to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week ahead. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to whip up a quick lunch or dinner. Simply reheat the chicken and serve it on fresh buns, and you have a meal that's just as good as the first time!

Customizable Heat Levels

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility in terms of heat. The hot sauce amount can be adjusted according to your personal preference, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste buds. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to add more hot sauce, or for those who prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount. This makes the recipe accessible to everyone, regardless of how much spice they can handle.

Consider experimenting with different types of BBQ sauce as well! Whether you prefer a tangy, sweet, or smoky flavor, the options are endless. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the sandwiches, keeping mealtime exciting and new. You could even mix two different sauces to find your perfect combination!

Serving Suggestions

While these Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal. Adding a crunchy coleslaw on top provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory chicken. You can easily make a simple coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette or even a creamy dressing for extra indulgence.

For a complete meal, consider pairing these sandwiches with some classic sides. Sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad would complement the flavors beautifully. You could also serve them during game day gatherings or BBQs, where they will surely be a hit among guests. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy your time with friends and family while still serving a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious sandwiches:

Prepare the Chicken

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

Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. 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 fully cooked.

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 mix with the sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Serve the spicy chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy!

Your delicious sandwiches are ready to be enjoyed!

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftovers from your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is a breeze! After the meal, simply transfer any remaining chicken and sauce into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it easy to enjoy your delicious creation again without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

If you want to keep the chicken for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag with the sauce and remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your chicken comes out perfectly every time, it's important to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut of meat will cook evenly and shred beautifully, making it ideal for sandwiches. Additionally, avoid lifting the lid of the crockpot during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture for a few hours before placing it in the crockpot. This extra step can enhance the taste and ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you're using frozen chicken, as it may require a bit longer to cook through.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it may require additional cooking time.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

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

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

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

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are packed with flavor and are incredibly easy to make. Just set it and forget it as your slow cooker does all the work!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Helena Wright

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. 4 hamburger buns
  9. Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. 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 fully cooked.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve the spicy chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 30g