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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders offer a unique and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Tender, flavorful shredded chicken slow-cooked in a tangy tomato sauce with mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices, served between rounds of roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast and/or thighs
- 14 oz can organic tomato sauce
- ¼ cup canned organic tomato paste
- 3 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon coconut amino
- 3 pitted dates, finely chopped (optional for touch of sweetness)
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sweet Potato Rounds
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Avocado oil or olive oil (for roasting)
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potato rounds: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the sliced sweet potato rounds in avocado or olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts or thighs, tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut amino, chopped dates (if using), shredded carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Assemble the sliders: Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture between two roasted sweet potato rounds to create a slider. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe is a healthier take on traditional Sloppy Joes, using chicken and sweet potatoes instead of bread for a low-carb option.
- For a lighter meal, serve the shredded chicken in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens instead of sweet potato rounds.
- Dates add natural sweetness; omit if you prefer less sweetness.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the slow cooker mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of recipe (without sweet potato)
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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