Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy and savory with these delicious crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!

Phoebe Turner

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-28T15:34:13.754Z

This Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The chicken cooks slowly in a blend of spices and BBQ sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for sandwiches.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, juicy chicken infused with spicy BBQ flavor
  • Easy to make with minimal prep time
  • Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal
  • Customizable toppings to suit your taste

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are an ideal choice for any gathering, whether it's a casual family dinner or a lively backyard barbecue. The ease of preparation allows you to spend more time with your guests rather than in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve that your friends and family will rave about.

Moreover, the versatility of this dish makes it suitable for various occasions. You can serve it as a hearty main course or even as a delightful appetizer in slider form. The spicy BBQ flavor is sure to please a crowd, making it a go-to recipe for potlucks, game days, or any festive celebration.

Customization at Its Best

One of the standout features of these BBQ chicken sandwiches is their customizable nature. You can easily tailor the toppings to suit your personal preferences or cater to your guests' tastes. Consider adding a tangy coleslaw for crunch, a layer of pickles for a zesty kick, or even a slice of cheese for creaminess. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique sandwich every time you make it.

Additionally, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of chili powder or select a BBQ sauce that suits your palate. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it a fun cooking experience.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Store any extra shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal that saves you time on busy weeknights.

Additionally, this dish freezes well, making it an excellent option for batch cooking. Simply portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags, and it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat to serve fresh sandwiches at a moment's notice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot for a delightful flavor explosion.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Add Seasonings

In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

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

Shred and Serve

Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles.

Enjoy your delicious sandwiches!

Tips for the Best Results

For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot. Adjusting the spice level is simple and can elevate your sandwiches to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with classic sides like potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. The contrast of flavors and textures will create a satisfying dining experience that everyone will love.

For a fun twist, consider serving the barbecue chicken over baked potatoes or as a topping for nachos. The savory chicken combined with your favorite toppings can create a delicious and unique dish that’s perfect for a casual meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure to cook it for an additional hour.

→ What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well!

→ Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ Are there any good toppings for these sandwiches?

Yes! Coleslaw, jalapeños, and pickles are excellent toppings that pair well with BBQ chicken.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy and savory with these delicious crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Turner

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon chili powder
  4. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. 1 teaspoon 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.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 30g