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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 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; 4 hamburger buns; Coleslaw (optional); Pickles (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the perfect blend of spices and savory BBQ in these delicious crockpot chicken sandwiches.

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:04:13.555Z

This recipe for Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches combines tender, juicy chicken with a kick of spice, making it a perfect meal for busy days or gatherings.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tender, flavorful chicken that falls apart with a fork
A perfect balance of spice and sweetness from the BBQ sauce
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup thanks to the crockpot

      

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are an ideal meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With minimal prep time required, you can set your crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious, mouth-watering dinner. This recipe is perfect for family meals, potlucks, or game day celebrations, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.

The versatility of these sandwiches allows you to customize them to your liking. Whether you prefer a mild BBQ sauce or an extra kick of spice, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add toppings like coleslaw or pickles for a crunchy texture, or serve them alongside your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal.

Health Benefits of Chicken

Chicken is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are particularly low in calories and fat, while being rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins and phosphorus. Incorporating chicken into your meals can help support muscle growth and overall health.

When cooked slowly in a crockpot, chicken retains its moisture, ensuring that it remains tender and juicy. This method also allows the flavors of the spices and BBQ sauce to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a dish that is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great advantages of Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is that they can be made ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and sauce in the crockpot, and once cooked, shred the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw and reheat before serving. This not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy this delicious meal multiple times.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 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

4 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Pickles (optional)

Gather all the ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

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

Cook the Chicken

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

Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks. Stir to combine with the sauce. Serve on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Enjoy your spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches with your favorite sides!

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, ensure that the chicken breasts are evenly placed in the crockpot without overlapping. This allows for even cooking and ensures that every piece absorbs the flavorful sauce. If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.

For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and spices overnight before cooking. This not only enhances the taste but also makes the chicken even more tender.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your meal with side dishes like sweet potato fries, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. A light side helps balance the richness of the BBQ chicken, making it a satisfying meal.

For a fun twist, try serving the shredded chicken as a topping on nachos or over a baked potato. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. From tangy to smoky, the variety of sauces available can drastically change the taste of your chicken. You can also add additional spices like smoked paprika or cumin for a unique twist.

If you want to spice things up further, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give your sandwiches an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.

→ What BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a sweeter sauce pairs well with the spices in this recipe.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

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

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.