Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Name: Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 hamburger buns; Coleslaw (optional); Pickles (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:49:10.365Z

Imagine coming home to the delightful scent of spicy BBQ chicken wafting through your house. This recipe delivers just that. Using a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze. Whether you're hosting a game day or just craving some comfort food, these sandwiches are sure to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender chicken infused with spicy BBQ flavor
Perfect for a crowd or meal prep for the week
Easy cleanup with minimal effort required

      

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches bring a delightful twist to the traditional BBQ experience. By using a slow cooker, you not only enhance the flavors but also ensure that the chicken remains tender and juicy. The combination of spices elevates the BBQ sauce, creating a savory and slightly spicy profile that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.

The beauty of these sandwiches lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet. The slow cooking process allows the spices to permeate the chicken, infusing it with flavor while you go about your day. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these sandwiches are sure to impress.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a game-day party, or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delicious dish.

Additionally, these sandwiches can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces or add extra toppings like jalapeños for an added kick. With the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting, you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends.

Easy Cleanup and Meal Prep

One of the standout features of this recipe is the minimal cleanup required. With only a few bowls and the crockpot to wash, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dinner without the hassle of extensive cooking.

Furthermore, these sandwiches are excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for quick lunches throughout the week. Simply reheat the chicken and serve it on fresh buns for a satisfying meal that keeps you fueled and satisfied.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For Serving

6 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Pickles (optional)

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and let the magic happen!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the crockpot.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Serve the spicy shredded chicken on hamburger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles.

Enjoy your delicious spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, consider adding a side of homemade coleslaw. The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw pairs perfectly with the spicy, tender chicken, creating a balanced meal. You can prepare the coleslaw ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Pickles are another fantastic addition to these sandwiches. Their tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, adding an extra layer of taste. Whether you prefer dill or bread-and-butter pickles, they make for a delightful topping that enhances the overall experience.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, simply place the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.

If you want to make this meal ahead of time, you can also freeze the cooked chicken. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to have a delicious, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding various spices or sauces to the chicken in the slow cooker. For a sweeter version, try using a honey BBQ sauce or adding a bit of brown sugar to the spice mix. Alternatively, for a smokier taste, incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning.

You can also try serving the chicken on different types of bread. Slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option can change the experience entirely. These variations allow you to keep the recipe exciting and cater to different dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator before cooking.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it's sweet, spicy, or tangy!

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.