Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the smoky, spicy flavors of these easy-to-make crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.

Phoebe Turner

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-28T15:22:09.553Z

This Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a zesty barbecue sauce. It's a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender, juicy chicken infused with spicy BBQ flavors
  • Set it and forget it convenience with the crockpot
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness and heat in every bite

The Perfect Game Day Dish

When it comes to game day, having a delicious and satisfying meal is essential. Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect choice for feeding a crowd. The combination of tender chicken and zesty barbecue sauce creates a flavor explosion that will keep your guests coming back for more. Plus, with the convenience of a crockpot, you can focus on enjoying the game rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

These sandwiches are not only great for game day, but they are also ideal for busy weeknights. The hands-off cooking allows you to prepare other meals or help the kids with homework while the delicious aromas fill your home. Whether you're hosting a party or just need a quick dinner solution, these sandwiches are a hit!

Flavor That Packs a Punch

The secret to the irresistible flavor of these sandwiches lies in the balance of spices and sauces. The smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky depth, while the hot sauce provides the perfect kick. This combination ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a delightful experience for your taste buds. You can even adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of hot sauce you use, catering to all palates.

Serving these sandwiches with coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the spicy chicken. The creamy texture of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the heat, providing a well-rounded meal. Don't forget to add pickles for an extra tangy flavor that elevates the sandwich to new heights!

Meal Prep Made Easy

Preparing meals in advance can save time and reduce stress during busy weeks. These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for meal prep! Simply make a double batch and store the leftovers in individual portions in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal anytime you need a quick option without sacrificing flavor.

To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can easily whip up fresh buns and coleslaw to accompany the chicken, ensuring that even reheated meals taste freshly made. It's a win-win for anyone looking to streamline their dinner routine!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Enjoy your spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

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

Add Sauces

Pour the barbecue sauce and hot sauce over the chicken. Stir to combine.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Enjoy your homemade spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken

For the best results, use high-quality barbecue sauce that you love. The flavor of the sauce will significantly influence the overall taste of the chicken. Experiment with different brands or even homemade sauces to find your perfect match.

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before adding the sauces. This step enhances the flavor profile and ensures that the chicken is deliciously seasoned throughout. Don't be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences!

Serving Suggestions

These spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing them with sides like sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. These sides not only complement the flavors of the sandwiches but also add nutritional value to your meal.

For an even more festive occasion, consider setting up a build-your-own sandwich bar. Provide a variety of toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, or different types of cheeses to allow guests to customize their sandwiches. This interactive element adds a fun twist to your gathering!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

→ What type of barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce; a sweet or smoky sauce works best for this recipe.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy the smoky, spicy flavors of these easy-to-make crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration480 minutes
Overall Time495 minutes

Created by: Phoebe Turner

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup barbecue sauce
  3. 1/4 cup hot sauce
  4. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  1. 6 hamburger buns
  2. Coleslaw (optional)
  3. Pickles (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Pour the barbecue sauce and hot sauce over the chicken. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 04

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 35g