Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Indulge in the smoky, spicy flavors of these delicious crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Sabrina Holt

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:07:11.016Z

These Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, combining tender, flavorful chicken with a zesty barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender chicken infused with spicy barbecue flavors
  • Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep

Perfect for Any Occasion

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate dish for gatherings, game days, or family dinners. The rich, smoky flavors and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group, making it ideal for potlucks or parties. The ease of preparation means you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Flavorful and Nutritious

This recipe not only offers incredible flavor but also packs in the nutrition. Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. The addition of spices like chili powder and cayenne pepper gives the dish a kick, while the BBQ sauce infuses it with sweetness and tang.

If you’re looking to make this recipe even healthier, consider serving it on whole-grain buns or adding extra veggies to your coleslaw. You can customize the toppings to suit your dietary preferences, making this a dish that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

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

Mix and match your favorite toppings to make these sandwiches your own!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili 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 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 coat in the sauce.

Assemble the Sandwiches

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

Enjoy your deliciously spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken

For the best results, use high-quality BBQ sauce that you love. The sauce is the star of the show, so choose one that has a balance of sweetness and tanginess that appeals to your palate. You can even experiment with homemade BBQ sauce to tailor the flavors to your liking.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you like things spicy, feel free to add more heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy BBQ chicken sandwiches are delicious on their own, but adding toppings like coleslaw and pickles can elevate the experience. The crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken, while pickles add a tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

For a complete meal, serve these sandwiches with sides like potato chips, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. Each of these pairings brings something unique to the table and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the shredded BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or additional BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded chicken. Simply portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick and easy meal any day of the week.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken in the crockpot a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

→ What can I serve with these sandwiches?

Serve with chips, fries, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Spicy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Indulge in the smoky, spicy flavors of these delicious crockpot BBQ chicken sandwiches, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Sabrina Holt

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
  3. 1/2 cup chicken broth
  4. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  5. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  1. 4 sandwich buns
  2. Coleslaw (optional)
  3. Pickles (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat in the sauce.

Step 04

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 30g