Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the bold flavors of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-28T17:13:10.217Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a family favorite that combines convenience with flavor. Cooked slowly to perfection, the chicken absorbs all the smoky, spicy goodness of the BBQ sauce, making every bite a delight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender chicken that simply falls apart with a fork
  • Perfectly balanced spicy and sweet BBQ sauce
  • Easy to make and great for feeding a crowd

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches take the traditional BBQ chicken to new heights with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Utilizing a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender. The addition of hot sauce adds just the right kick, making this dish a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these sandwiches are sure to impress. The convenience of the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Serve them at your next game day gathering, family reunion, or casual dinner party, and watch as they quickly become the star of the show. They can easily be scaled up to feed a larger crowd, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

For a fun twist, consider setting up a DIY sandwich bar. Provide a variety of toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and even jalapeños, so everyone can customize their own sandwich. This interactive element not only enhances the meal but also creates a lively atmosphere where guests can mingle and share their unique creations.

Tips for the Best Sandwiches

To achieve the perfect texture for your BBQ chicken, ensure you don't overcook it. The low and slow method in the crockpot is key, but if you're short on time, you can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on it to prevent the chicken from drying out. Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to absorb even more of the flavorful sauce, enhancing each bite.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Whether you prefer a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweeter tomato-based one, the choice can significantly alter the flavor profile. Additionally, consider adding extra spices or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for added depth. Your sandwiches will be uniquely yours!

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Mix the ingredients well and set aside.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

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

Add BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and hot sauce, then pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot 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 stir to combine with the sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches

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

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

Serving Suggestions

These spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Classic choices include baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier option, consider serving them with sweet potato fries or potato wedges. The sweetness of the sides will complement the spicy chicken perfectly.

If you're looking for a lighter alternative, a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwiches. Don't forget to have plenty of napkins on hand, as these sandwiches can get a bit messy!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheating is simple—just place it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded chicken. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes for a quick and easy meal option for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

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

→ What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce. A sweet and smoky flavor 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.

→ What can I substitute for the hot sauce?

You can substitute hot sauce with a spicy BBQ sauce or a mix of cayenne pepper and regular BBQ sauce.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy the bold flavors of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the BBQ Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  4. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  6. 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. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and hot sauce, then pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 03

Cover the crockpot 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 stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 05

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 14g
  • Protein: 30g