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.

Aubrey Collins

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:52:14.669Z

This recipe for Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches is a family favorite, bringing together tender chicken and a zesty barbecue sauce that packs a punch. Ideal for busy days, simply set your crockpot and let the flavors meld together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and juicy chicken infused with bold BBQ flavors
  • Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for gatherings or a family dinner

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches bring a delightful twist to the traditional BBQ chicken. The combination of cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powder creates a robust flavor profile that elevates the dish. This recipe is not just about heat; it's about balancing spiciness with the sweetness of your favorite BBQ sauce, resulting in a meal that is both savory and satisfying. Whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spice according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, for those who crave an extra kick, feel free to add more! This adaptability makes Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken perfect for diverse palates, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Convenience Meets Deliciousness

Using a crockpot not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also simplifies the cooking process. Just season, pour the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work. This hands-off approach means you can focus on other tasks, whether it's prepping sides, setting the table, or even enjoying a moment of relaxation before mealtime. The result is tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart, making it easy to assemble your sandwiches.

Cleanup is a breeze with this recipe. Since everything is cooked in one pot, you can spend less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your meal. It's a perfect solution for busy weeknights or gatherings when you want to serve something delicious without the hassle of extensive cooking and cleaning.

Serving Suggestions

While the sandwiches are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to enhance your serving experience. Consider adding a crunchy coleslaw on top for added texture and flavor. The coolness of the coleslaw complements the spicy chicken beautifully, creating a balanced bite. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as whole wheat or brioche, to elevate the meal further.

For a complete meal, serve these sandwiches with some classic sides like potato chips, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. These accompaniments not only round out the meal but also provide a variety of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Don't forget to have extra napkins on hand—things might get a little messy, but that's part of the fun!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious sandwiches:

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:

Prepare the Chicken

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

Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

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 shredded chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, always check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely consumed. Using a meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken, ensuring you achieve that tender, juicy texture everyone craves.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen, making them even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and consider using the chicken in other dishes like tacos or salads for additional variety.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor match. From tangy and sweet to smoky and spicy, the choice of sauce can completely transform the dish. You might even want to make your own BBQ sauce at home for a truly personalized touch.

For added flavor, try incorporating vegetables into the crockpot. Sliced bell peppers or onions can add a nice depth of flavor and make the meal more nutritious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add larger chunks of vegetables.

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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.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair well with potato chips, a green salad, or baked beans.

→ Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces or even a homemade version.

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: Aubrey Collins

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  3. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 4 hamburger buns
  8. Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve the shredded chicken on hamburger buns and top with coleslaw if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 25g