Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489266H57M4S
Total time: PT-489266H57M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless chicken breast and/or thighs; 14 oz. can organic tomato sauce; ¼ cup canned organic tomato paste; 3 Tbsp. yellow mustard; 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar; 2 tsp. coconut amino; 3 pitted dates, finely chopped (optional for touch of sweetness); ¾ cup shredded carrots; 1 tsp. garlic powder; ½ tsp. onion powder; ½ tsp. smoked paprika; ¼ tsp. sea salt; ¼ tsp. black pepper; 2 sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds; Avocado oil or olive oil (for frying or baking)

If you’re craving comfort food with a wholesome twist, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe. It’s a total game changer—juicy shredded chicken simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, served on crisp, roasted sweet potato rounds instead of traditional buns. Trust me, the flavor combo and easy prep make it a fast favorite in my house, and I’m betting you’ll feel the same once you give it a try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Slow Cooker Magic: You toss everything in, and the slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day.
Healthy Yet Indulgent: Using sweet potatoes instead of buns adds nutrients and a natural sweetness that balances the tangy sauce beautifully.
Family Approved: My kids and friends go crazy for these sliders, making it a perfect casual dinner or party snack.
Versatile & Customizable: You can swap chicken parts, add your favorite spices, or even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

The image shows a sandwich placed on a white plate with two main layers of filling and a top and bottom bun made from sweet potato slices. The bottom slice is bright orange with a smooth texture. On top of this, there is a layer of green leafy vegetables, followed by a thick layer of shredded meat mixed with chopped red onions and green herbs, giving a mix of orange, purple, and green colors with a fibrous texture. The top slice of sweet potato bun is positioned slightly tilted, showing its smooth orange surface with a few small black spots. Next to the sandwich, there is a colorful coleslaw salad with thin strips of white cabbage, orange carrot, purple cabbage, and green herbs scattered together. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with part of a striped cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that balance sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors perfectly. When you pick your chicken, I recommend a mix of breast and thighs—they shred nicely and stay juicy in the slow cooker.

Boneless chicken breast and/or thighs: Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner; a combo works great for texture and flavor.
Organic tomato sauce: This forms the rich, savory base of the sauce, so quality matters here.
Organic tomato paste: Adds depth and thickens the sauce for that perfect sloppy joe consistency.
Yellow mustard: Gives a tangy zing that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the flavors.
Coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that brings a subtle umami without overpowering the other flavors.
Pitted dates (optional): For a touch of natural sweetness without refined sugar—totally optional if you prefer less sweet.
Shredded carrots: Sneaks in a bit of healthy crunch and natural sweetness.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper: These spices build the warm, savory flavor profile that makes sloppy joe sauce so irresistible.
Sweet potatoes: Sliced into rounds to act as your slider buns, baked to crispy-tender perfection.
Avocado oil or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potatoes with a nice caramelized finish.

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.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often experiment depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving that week.

Swap the Chicken: I sometimes use just thighs for extra richness, or even turkey breast if I want a leaner option; both work beautifully in the slow cooker.
Switch up the “Buns”: If you want to lighten things up or avoid carbs, try serving the chicken in lettuce wraps or over a bed of leafy greens.
Add Heat: When I’m in the mood for a kick, I toss in some cayenne or chili flakes to spice things up without overpowering the balance.
Sweetness Level: If you skip the dates, add a touch of maple syrup or honey to maintain that hint of sweetness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sauce

Start by placing your boneless chicken breasts and/or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, chopped dates if using, shredded carrots, and your seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken evenly. This sauce mix is where all the magic happens, so don’t skip whisking it well!

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fall-apart tender and has soaked up those beautiful sauce flavors. I’ve found that low and slow is key—the chicken stays juicy without drying out. Resist the urge to open the lid too often to keep the heat steady.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds

While the chicken finishes cooking, slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Toss them in avocado or olive oil, making sure each slice is coated, then spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized. These make such a great swap for traditional buns—you get that lovely sweetness and texture contrast.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once your chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thin, you can cook it uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken up a bit. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—I often add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar here.

Step 5: Build Your Sliders and Enjoy!

Now for the fun part! Spoon a heaping amount of the sloppy joe chicken onto a sweet potato round and top with another round, like a slider bun. If you like, add your favorite toppings—extra shredded cheese, pickles, or even a little slaw on the side. Grab a napkin and dive in!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Use Mixed Chicken Cuts: Combining breasts and thighs gives you the perfect balance of lean and juicy—trust me, it enhances the texture drastically.
Don’t Skip the Carrots: I discovered this trick when I added shredded carrots—they add natural sweetness and a nice texture without overpowering.
Keep Lid Closed: Resist peeking too often while slow cooking; each peek drops temperature and can extend cooking time.
Cool the Sweet Potatoes Slightly: Let the roasted rounds cool just a bit so they don’t get soggy when the warm chicken is added—helps maintain that lovely crispness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

The image shows a sandwich with three clear layers in a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a thick slice of toasted brown bread with a slightly rough texture. On top of that, there are fresh green cucumber slices arranged in a neat layer, followed by vibrant purple shredded cabbage mixed with some fresh herbs. The top layer is filled with reddish-brown shredded cooked meat, giving it a juicy texture, and the sandwich is completed with another slice of toasted brown bread with visible grill marks. A piece of another sandwich is partially visible on the right side, and the overall focus is on the full sandwich on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnish simple—a little extra shredded cheese, some tangy pickles, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Sometimes a spoonful of coleslaw on the side adds the perfect crunch and creaminess contrast to these sliders.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair amazingly with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even sweet potato fries if you want to keep the theme going. I love serving them with a refreshing cucumber salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to line up these sliders on a charcuterie board with colorful veggies, pickles, and dips. They’re also fantastic served open-faced with a dollop of creamy avocado or spicy aioli on top—fancy but still so easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I reheat just what I need on the stove or in the microwave, then toast fresh sweet potato rounds to serve.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too. I portion the chicken mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers and leave out the sweet potatoes because they roast best fresh. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it moist. If it looks dry, add a splash of water or tomato sauce. Re-roast or pan-fry sweet potato rounds for that fresh, crisp texture before assembling your sliders again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe?

Absolutely! Just add about 30 minutes to an hour more cooking time if you’re starting with frozen chicken. Make sure it’s cooked through and tender before shredding. Using fresh chicken is preferred for consistent cooking, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

Yes! Simply cook the chicken in a large pot with the sauce on low heat, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender enough to shred. It won’t be quite as hands-off, but you’ll still get delicious results.
Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce during prep. You can also top the finished sliders with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Are the sweet potato rounds essential?

They’re my favorite alternative to bread because they add nutrition and a hint of sweetness, but if you prefer traditional slider buns or a low-carb wrap, feel free to swap them out. The chicken sloppy joe filling is incredibly versatile!

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s so simple, satisfying, and just different enough to keep things exciting. I love that it feels like comfort food—warm, hearty, and nostalgic—without any of the guilt that can come with traditional sloppy joes. I encourage you to try it out, play around with the toppings, and make it your own. Once you get that first bite of tender, flavorful chicken tucked inside those sweet potato rounds, you’ll see exactly why I’m so hooked!