There’s something utterly comforting about a tangy, saucy slider that’s also easy to whip up. The Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe combines that classic sloppy joe charm with tender shredded chicken and a fun twist using sweet potato “buns” – trust me, this one will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your kitchen.

A close-up image of a sandwich with two thick slices of toasted bread. The bottom slice holds fresh green lettuce and thin rings of purple onion. Above that, there is a generous, textured layer of shredded, cooked filling mixed with small green herb pieces. The top slice of bread is slightly tilted, showing the sandwich layers clearly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort food and healthy, wholesome ingredients. I’m always excited to serve it up because it’s easy to prep, fun to eat, and feels like a little celebration on a busy weeknight.

Hands-off cooking: You get all the flavor without the fuss, thanks to your trusty slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.
Sweet potato buns: A creative, nutrient-packed alternative to regular bread that adds a light sweetness and a pop of color.
Family-friendly flavors: This version is tangy, mildly sweet, and packed with familiar tastes that kids and adults both appreciate.
Versatile and customizable: Whether you want to add extra veggies or switch up the spices, this recipe adapts with ease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness. When combined in the slow cooker, they meld into a luscious sauce that clings to tender shredded chicken beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh raw boneless chicken breasts and thighs arranged neatly, a small white bowl of rich organic tomato sauce, another small white bowl with thick organic tomato paste, a small white bowl containing smooth yellow mustard, a small white bowl with golden apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with dark glossy coconut aminos, three plump pitted dates, a small white bowl filled with shredded bright orange carrots, a small white bowl holding garlic powder, a small white bowl with onion powder, a small white bowl of smoked paprika, a small white bowl with coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, two fresh sweet potatoes sliced into even ¼-inch rounds, and a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breast and/or thighs: Thighs give a bit more juiciness and richness, while breasts keep things lean – mix based on your preference.
Organic tomato sauce & tomato paste: Classic Sloppy Joe base ingredients that build a savory, thick sauce.
Yellow mustard: Adds tang and depth without overpowering the dish.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the sweetness.
Coconut aminos: A subtle umami boost and a soy-free, lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce.
Pitted dates (optional): I include these for a natural, gentle sweetness that rounds off the acidity beautifully.
Shredded carrots: Sneaks in some extra veggies and a hint of natural sweetness.
Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika: These spices lend flavor complexity and warmth.
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
Sweet potatoes: Sliced into rounds, these are your new favorite “buns”—nutritious, naturally sweet, and perfect for holding all that juicy chicken from the slow cooker.
Avocado oil or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potato rounds until tender and slightly crispy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that the Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe lends itself easily to personal twists. Sometimes I swap in extra veggies or punch up the heat with a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes when I’m feeling bold. You can totally make this your own!

Swap the buns: While sweet potato rounds are my favorite, you can try lettuce wraps or mini slider buns for a different take – perfect for those watching carbs.
Add more veggies: Try stirring in finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition—I’ve done this, and it’s delicious.
Spice it up: A dash of chipotle powder or cayenne can add a gentle smoky kick if you want to switch up the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

A white plate with a sandwich and coleslaw on a white marbled background. The sandwich has two thick orange sweet potato slices as the bread. Inside, there is a layer of green lettuce at the bottom, then a generous pile of shredded, saucy orange chicken mixed with small pieces of red onion and green herbs. The coleslaw on the side has shredded white and purple cabbage with thin orange carrot strips, all mixed with a light creamy dressing, sprinkled with black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken

Start by mixing together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, finely chopped dates, shredded carrots, and all the seasonings in a bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens! Next, add your chicken pieces into the slow cooker, then pour the sauce right over them, making sure every piece gets coated.

Step 2: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for about 4 hours. I find this gives the chicken the perfect tender, shreddable texture. Resist the urge to peek too often – slow and steady wins the flavor race here.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potato “Buns”

About 30 minutes before the chicken finishes, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush the sweet potato rounds with avocado or olive oil, then lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast until tender and edges are crisp, usually about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them because oven temps vary.

Step 4: Shred and Assemble

Once your chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it through the sauce. Then, start assembling! Spoon generous portions onto each sweet potato round, top each with another round to make sliders, and dig in.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tips that really make a difference in getting it just right and saving you some worry.

Timing is everything: Cooking on low for the full 4 hours gives the best texture – rushing with high heat can dry out the chicken.
Don’t skip the roasting: I once tried microwaving the sweet potato rounds, but roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives the perfect firmness to hold the sliders.
Shred while hot: Shredding chicken right in the slow cooker while it’s hot helps it soak up all those delicious flavors.
Use a timer: Slow cookers can vary, so setting a timer helps me avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top these sliders with a little fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten them up. A thin slice of pickled jalapeño or some crunchy pickles also adds a fun zing that balances the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to keep things light and nutritious. For a fun twist, I sometimes pair it with a simple coleslaw – the crunch and acidity complement the sandwich beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or a casual party, I’ve arranged these sliders on a big platter with little bowls of extra sauce, pickled veggies, and napkins scattered around. It turns this humble dish into a shareable crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sweet potato rounds separate so they don’t get soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reassemble the sliders fresh.

Freezing

Freezing works great for the chicken filling—just pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing the sweet potato buns separate or making fresh ones when you thaw the filling.

Reheating

For reheating, microwaving or warming the chicken slowly on the stovetop works well to keep it moist. I reheat the sweet potato rounds in the oven or toaster oven until warm and a bit crisp before assembling the sliders again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker, but it will take a bit longer to cook—expect closer to 5 hours on low instead of 4. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

Are sweet potato rounds the only option for buns?

Not at all. While sweet potato rounds add a tasty, nutritious twist, you can also use classic mini slider buns, lettuce wraps for a low-carb version, or even thick slices of roasted zucchini or eggplant if you want to mix things up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

If you want a vegetarian version, consider using shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken substitute instead of real chicken. Adjust the cooking time and sauce accordingly. The slow cooker method works well for these alternatives too.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. However, you can easily add heat by including chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to the slow cooker sauce if you and your family enjoy some spice.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself making again and again—it hits all the right notes of comfort and convenience with a fresh, healthy twist. I really hope you’ll give it a try soon; it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and I love sharing it with friends and family. Once you make it your own, I bet you’ll keep coming back for more.