There’s something irresistibly cozy about a good sloppy joe, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe takes that comfort food vibe to a whole new level. The slow-cooked chicken soaks up tangy, smoky flavors, and the slider format makes it perfect for sharing or casual dinners that feel like a treat.

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

I’m honestly obsessed with how this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe blends bold flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s an easy, hands-off dish that feels homemade but fuss-free—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend gatherings.

Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity: The slow cooker does all the hard work while you get on with your day.
Sweet potato “buns”: Using sweet potato rounds as sliders adds a nutritious, naturally sweet twist that's both gluten-free and delicious.
Balanced flavors: The smoky paprika, tangy mustard, and a hint of sweetness from dates create a complex taste that pleases all palates.
Versatile meal: Great for casual dinners, game days, or even meal prep—you can serve it in different ways to keep things exciting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe special. The mix of tomato sauce, mustard, and coconut aminos brings tang and umami, while shredded carrots and dates sneak in sweetness and texture. Sweet potato rounds add a fun and nutritious twist as a slider base.

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

Boneless chicken breast and/or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner—you can mix and match based on your preference.
Organic tomato sauce: A rich, savory base that’s better when it’s USDA organic for purer flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to deepen the sauce.
Yellow mustard: Adds that signature tangy kick essential in sloppy joe flavors.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness.
Coconut aminos: A healthy soy sauce alternative that gives depth without overpowering.
Pitted dates: Optional, but trust me—they add a subtle, natural sweetness that brings everything together.
Shredded carrots: They sneak in veggies and offer a soft texture that contrasts with the chicken.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper: Classic spices that layer complexity and warmth.
Sweet potatoes: Thinly sliced to use as “buns” that toast perfectly and give a satisfying bite.
Avocado or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potato rounds to golden perfection.

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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

One of the best parts about this recipe is how much you can tailor it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. I’ve swapped out sweet potatoes for regular slider buns or even served the sloppy joe mixture over rice bowls when I’m feeling a little different.

Variation: When I want a lighter option, I skip the sweet potato rounds and use large lettuce leaves to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Spice it up: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the slow cooker for a spicy kick that wakes up the flavor.
Vegetarian twist: Try shredded jackfruit or lentils as a substitute for chicken—you’ll get a similar texture with a plant-based punch.

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: Prep the Chicken and Sauce

First, gather your chicken—whatever cut you prefer goes in the crockpot whole. Pour in your tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, vinegar, and coconut aminos. Then sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to stir in those finely chopped dates and shredded carrots—they’re little gems that make the sauce uniquely delicious. Give everything a good mix so the flavors start mingling.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. This low-and-slow approach guarantees super tender chicken that shreds effortlessly once it’s done. Resist the urge to peek too often—patience here is key to flavorful success.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds

While the chicken cooks, slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Toss them lightly in avocado or olive oil, then lay them out on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and just tender. These are your healthy, hearty “buns” that hold it all together perfectly.

Step 4: Shred and Mix

Once the slow cooker goes off, shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks—it’s so tender it falls apart easily! Stir everything together so all that smoky, tangy sauce coats the meat perfectly. Give it a taste and tweak seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders and Serve

Stack a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture between two sweet potato rounds and enjoy immediately. The contrast of warm, saucy chicken against the subtly sweet potato rounds is next-level comforting and satisfying.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to excellent Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is all in the balance of flavors and textures. Here are a few things that always help me nail this recipe every time:

Don’t skip the dates: They add a mild sweetness that complements the tangy mustard and smoky paprika—really transforms the dish.
Low and slow: Cooking on low heat is non-negotiable; it makes the chicken tender enough to shred effortlessly without drying out.
Sweet potato thickness: Slice the sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even roasting and a firm hold for your sliders.
Season to taste: Don’t be shy about adjusting salt and pepper after shredding—slow cooking can mellow seasonings, so a little extra kick can go a long way.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to top these sliders with a little crunchy fresh cabbage slaw or pickled red onions—they add a refreshing tang and texture contrast. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives also brightens the dish and looks lovely on the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for a full, wholesome meal. I’ve also served them alongside crispy baked sweet potato fries or steamed green beans when I want something extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual parties, I sometimes serve these sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy picking. Another fun idea is building mini slider towers with layers of avocado slices and cheese. For kids’ lunchboxes, wrapping slippery lettuce leaves around the sloppy joe mixture makes a neat handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the shredded chicken mixture stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days. Storing it separately from the sweet potato rounds keeps things from getting soggy.

Freezing

This chicken sloppy joe mix freezes beautifully—I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for quick meals later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky. You can also microwave in short intervals, covered, adding a splash of water if it starts to dry out. Toast or re-roast sweet potato rounds before assembling for that fresh-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs only for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using just chicken thighs actually makes the meat more tender and juicy, which works really well for shredding and soaking up the sauce.

Are the sweet potato rounds necessary?

Not at all! The sweet potato rounds are a fun, gluten-free twist that adds extra nutrition and flavor, but you can serve the chicken sloppy joe mixture on regular buns, lettuce wraps, or over rice—whatever you prefer.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Try substituting the chicken for shredded jackfruit or cooked lentils, and use tamari or soy sauce instead of coconut aminos if you prefer. The sauce flavors work beautifully with plant-based proteins.

How long can I store the leftovers in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the leftover sloppy joe mixture keeps well for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe has become one of those reliable favorites in my kitchen—it’s flavorful, fuss-free, and always feels like a little celebration of cozy comfort food. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying as I do. It’s exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to, whether for a quiet night in or a fun get-together with friends. Grab those sweet potatoes, slow cooker, and get ready to love your new go-to slider recipe!