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

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy the smoky and spicy flavors of these delicious Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:58:14.655Z

This Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, you'll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to be piled high on a bun.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with smoky and spicy flavors that excite your taste buds
Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week

      

The Perfect Blend of Spicy and Smoky

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of BBQ sauce with chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper creates a robust taste profile that is both smoky and spicy. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals, making it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners alike.

As the chicken cooks in the crockpot, it absorbs all the rich flavors from the spices and BBQ sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat that practically falls apart. This mouthwatering dish is not just about heat; the blend of spices adds depth and a hint of sweetness, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

Effortless Cooking with Minimal Cleanup

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a crockpot, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply add the chicken and spices to the crockpot, set it, and forget it. This hands-off approach allows you to enjoy your day while the flavors meld together, creating a delightful dish.

Cleanup is a breeze, too. Since everything is prepared in one pot, you won’t have to deal with a sink full of dishes afterward. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and family. Spend more time enjoying the company and less time worrying about the mess!

A Crowd-Pleasing Meal

These BBQ chicken sandwiches are perfect for feeding a crowd, making them an ideal choice for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers. The recipe can easily be doubled or halved, depending on the number of guests you have. Serve it buffet-style, allowing everyone to customize their sandwiches with toppings like coleslaw and pickles, ensuring that each person can enjoy it to their liking.

Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can pair it with various sides, such as potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob, making it adaptable to different occasions and preferences. Whether it's a festive BBQ or a simple family dinner, these sandwiches will undoubtedly be a hit.

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

4 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Pickles (optional)

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot for a flavorful meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add BBQ sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook

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

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.

Serve

Spoon the BBQ chicken onto hamburger buns, and top with coleslaw and pickles if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken

To achieve the best results with this recipe, consider using high-quality BBQ sauce. The flavor of the sauce significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish, so choose one that you love. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces, ranging from sweet to tangy, to find your perfect blend.

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before adding the other ingredients. This step enhances the chicken's natural flavors and ensures a delicious outcome. Additionally, for a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce overnight before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic touch, serve your BBQ chicken sandwiches with a side of coleslaw. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of the coleslaw complement the spicy chicken perfectly, adding freshness to each bite. You can make your coleslaw at home or buy it pre-made for convenience.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding other toppings, such as sliced jalapeños for extra heat or avocado slices for creaminess. These additions can elevate your sandwiches and provide a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop even after cooking. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, and serve on fresh hamburger buns.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes for a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

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

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in an Instant Pot on high pressure for about 15 minutes.

→ What sides pair well with these sandwiches?

Great sides include potato chips, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad.