Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Convenient and Easy – Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort.
✔️ Spicy and Flavorful – The combination of chili powder, paprika, and jalapeños gives the chicken a flavorful heat that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce.
✔️ Tender and Juicy – Slow cooking the chicken makes it so tender that it falls apart easily for shredding.
✔️ Customizable – Top with coleslaw or extra BBQ sauce for your preferred texture and flavor.
✔️ Great for Groups – This recipe makes enough for several servings, making it perfect for a family dinner, a gathering, or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional for extra heat)
- 4 sandwich rolls or buns
- Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
- Additional BBQ sauce, for drizzling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Mix Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated.
3. Add BBQ Sauce:
Pour the 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered. For an added kick, mix in the sliced jalapeños at this point.
4. Cover and Cook:
Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the remaining sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Prepare the Rolls:
While the chicken is heating, lightly toast the sandwich rolls or buns.
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Divide the shredded chicken mixture among the toasted sandwich rolls. If you like, top with coleslaw for added crunch and creaminess.
9. Serve:
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-7 hours (slow cooker)
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 per sandwich, depending on toppings
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, omit the jalapeños or reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Chicken Alternatives: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier sandwich.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or homemade version for a personalized flavor.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
This Spicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwich is perfect for anyone craving a juicy, flavorful sandwich with minimal effort. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with a smoky, spicy BBQ flavor that’s tender and falls apart easily. The optional jalapeños add an extra layer of heat, while the coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They will be slightly juicier and richer in flavor, but the recipe will work just as well.
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then shred the chicken as directed. The texture will be just as delicious.
Can I use store-bought coleslaw?
Absolutely! Store-bought coleslaw makes this recipe even quicker and easier. Just add it on top of the chicken before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be made ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve. It’s also great for meal prep!
How can I adjust the heat level?
To adjust the heat, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the jalapeños, or increase the amount of chili powder for a spicier kick. You can also add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your sandwiches.
Conclusion
This Spicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwich is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and a bit of spice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with coleslaw for extra crunch, and don’t forget the extra BBQ sauce for that perfect finishing touch!
Spicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwich: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A Spicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwich featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with spicy BBQ flavors, topped with creamy coleslaw for an extra crunch. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional for extra heat)
4 sandwich rolls or buns
Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Additional BBQ sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the boneless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, covering it completely. Add the sliced jalapeños for an extra kick if desired.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the remaining sauce. Let it heat for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Rolls: While the chicken is heating, lightly toast the sandwich rolls or buns.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Divide the shredded chicken mixture among the toasted rolls. Top with coleslaw for added crunch and creaminess.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder version, omit the jalapeños or reduce the chili powder.
Chicken Alternatives: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier sandwich.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or homemade version for a personalized flavor.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400-450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
