Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken smothered in zesty BBQ sauce, all served on a soft bun for the ultimate comfort food.

Tessa Wright

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:37:09.039Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both savory and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender chicken infused with a spicy BBQ kick
  • Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for gatherings or a quick family dinner

The Perfect Comfort Food

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food. The slow-cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a beloved dish for both adults and children. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. The combination of chicken and zesty BBQ sauce creates a satisfying bite that warms the soul.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it. The crockpot does all the hard work, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal with family and friends. Plus, the enticing aroma of BBQ chicken wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

Versatile Serving Options

These spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches can be customized in countless ways. While serving them on soft hamburger buns is classic, consider trying them on toasted brioche or whole-grain rolls for a different twist. You can also add a variety of toppings to elevate the flavors, such as spicy jalapeños, creamy avocado, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a cool contrast.

For a refreshing crunch, coleslaw is an excellent addition. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken, providing a delightful contrast that enhances each bite. You can use store-bought coleslaw or whip up your own using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. Don't forget the pickles for that extra layer of flavor!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking to streamline your weekly meal prep, these BBQ chicken sandwiches are a fantastic choice. You can easily make a large batch and store the shredded chicken in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for later use. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeks when you need a quick meal at hand.

Simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, and serve it fresh on buns. Paired with your favorite sides, such as sweet potato fries or a fresh salad, you'll have a well-rounded meal that is both delicious and satisfying. It's perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Gather all the ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well 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 easily shreddable.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.

Serve

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

Enjoy your homemade Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will become tender and easy to shred during the slow cooking process. Avoid using frozen chicken, as it may not cook evenly in the crockpot, leading to inconsistent results.

Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness in the BBQ sauce according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose a BBQ sauce labeled 'mild' or mix in a bit of honey to balance the heat.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover spicy BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags. Just be sure to label them with the date for easy meal planning later on.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

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

→ What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Choose your favorite spicy BBQ sauce for the best flavor!

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair well with chips, fries, or a fresh salad.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken smothered in zesty BBQ sauce, all served on a soft bun for the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Tessa Wright

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup spicy BBQ sauce
  3. 1/2 cup chicken broth
  4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  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

In a crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 04

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 30g