Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner at home.

Harper Collins

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:22:08.755Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a game changer for any meal. The slow-cooked chicken becomes tender and infused with a rich, spicy barbecue sauce that's hard to resist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, juicy chicken with a kick of spice
  • Convenient slow-cooker preparation
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches combine the rich flavors of BBQ sauce with a medley of spices, creating an unforgettable taste experience. The chili powder and cumin add a warm heat that elevates the dish, making it more than just your average BBQ chicken. This unique flavor profile ensures that each bite is packed with deliciousness, making it a hit with family and friends alike.

The slow cooking process allows the spices to meld beautifully with the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. The beauty of using a crockpot is that it not only enhances the flavors but also makes the chicken incredibly easy to shred, ensuring a perfect sandwich filling that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Versatile and Convenient

One of the standout features of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder or even adding your favorite hot sauce. This adaptability makes it suitable for all palates, whether you prefer mild or fiery flavors. Additionally, the dish can easily be doubled or halved, making it a fantastic choice for everything from casual weeknight dinners to large gatherings.

The convenience of using a crockpot cannot be overstated. Simply prepare the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. This hands-off approach allows you to spend more time with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can also be enhanced with a variety of toppings. Adding a crisp, refreshing coleslaw on top of the chicken not only adds texture but also balances the spiciness with a cool crunch. Additionally, tangy pickles can provide a delightful contrast, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor.

For a complete meal, consider serving these sandwiches alongside classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. This combination will surely impress your guests and create a well-rounded dining experience that everyone will remember.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Mix the spices and BBQ sauce to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it's fully coated.

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, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to combine with the sauce.

Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious sandwiches!

Storage Tips

Leftover Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors throughout the week. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving on fresh buns.

If you have a larger batch, consider freezing the shredded chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For a fun twist, try serving the spicy BBQ chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with avocado and fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired dish.

For a lighter option, consider wrapping the shredded chicken in lettuce leaves instead of using buns. This provides a fresh, low-carb alternative that still delivers on flavor while accommodating those who are looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require a longer cooking time.

→ What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it's sweet, smoky, or spicy.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What sides go well with these sandwiches?

Coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad pair nicely with BBQ chicken sandwiches.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner at home.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Harper Collins

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 tbsp chili powder
  4. 1 tsp cumin
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 tsp onion powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 02

Pour the BBQ sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it's fully coated.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 04

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to combine with the sauce.

Step 05

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 30g