There’s something about the rich, tangy, and cozy flavors of sloppy joes that just hits the spot, especially when they're made with tender chicken and slow-cooked to perfection. This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe turns a classic comfort food into an effortless, family-friendly meal you can feel good about.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe is one of my go-to dinners when I want something hearty but easy. There’s no fussing at the stove—it all simmers away slowly while you unwind, and the result is pure comfort food magic that’s healthy and satisfying.
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—perfect for busy days or when you want hands-off meal prep.
- Flavor-Packed and Balanced: Sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors blend beautifully without any processed sugars or added junk.
- Family-Friendly: This isn’t just healthy—it’s also kid-approved and perfect for gatherings, thanks to the fun slider format.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether on sweet potato rounds, in lettuce wraps, or even over a bed of greens, this recipe adapts to your mood or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe plays a part in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making the final dish rich, vibrant, and satisfying. Here’s a quick rundown of what I use and why it works.
- Boneless chicken breast and/or thighs: Using a mix gives you tender, juicy meat that shreds perfectly after slow cooking.
- Organic tomato sauce: The base of our rich sloppy joe sauce, providing that signature tangy tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and concentration to the sauce without overpowering.
- Yellow mustard: Gives a welcome sharpness and classic tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Enhances the tang and adds a subtle fruity acid that brightens the dish.
- Coconut amino: A great soy-free alternative for umami and a touch of natural saltiness.
- Pitted dates (optional): Just a little sweetness here to balance savory flavors without adding refined sugar.
- Shredded carrots: A sneaky veggie that boosts nutrition and adds slight sweetness with texture.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika: Spice trio for depth, earthiness, and a hint of smokiness.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that enhance all the flavors.
- Sweet potatoes: Unique replacement for typical slider buns—nutty, naturally sweet, and perfect for slicing into rounds.
- Avocado or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potatoes to crispy, tender perfection.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe is—you can easily tweak seasonings or swap out ingredients to make it your own. I often double up on smoked paprika when I want a deeper smoky flavor, or add a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the sweet potatoes for toasted whole wheat slider buns when I’m craving that classic feel, but the sweet potato rounds really add a bright, nourishing twist.
- Diet-friendly: For a low-carb alternative, serve your sloppy joe mixture over lettuce wraps or cauliflower buns instead—the flavors shine just as beautifully.
- Seasonal twist: Try adding some chopped bell peppers or a handful of spinach in the last hour of cooking to sneak some extra veggies in.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Layer Flavor with Sauce and Spices
Start by combining the tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and chopped dates in your slow cooker. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor base. Give it a good stir to marry all those tastes together before adding the chicken.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Slow Cook
Tuck the boneless chicken breasts and/or thighs right into the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded carrots on top—they’ll add texture and sweetness as they cook down. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for about 4 hours, or high for around 2 hours. The chicken should be fall-apart tender when it’s ready.
Step 3: Prepare Sweet Potato Rounds
While the chicken simmers, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds, toss them lightly with avocado or olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast until tender and just a bit caramelized, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Assemble
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir everything together so the sauce coats all the shredded meat and veggies evenly. Then, pile the chicken mixture onto your sweet potato rounds and serve. You’ll love how the soft, sweet bases complement the tangy sauce perfectly.
Top Tip
From my many attempts perfecting this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe, a few things really make a difference. Here’s what I've learned to get the best results without any fuss:
- Don’t Skip the Dates: Adding just a few chopped dates brings a natural sweet balance without overwhelming the sauce or making it sugary.
- Shred in the Cooker: Avoid draining the sauce to keep the flavors intense and moist—shred your chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes Well: Make sure they’re tender but still firm enough to hold your sloppy joe topping without falling apart.
- Don’t Rush: Patience is key—the longer the chicken simmers low and slow, the more tender and flavorful it gets.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh, herby brightness. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a little avocado slice adds a creamy touch and cools the tang just right. For a little crunch, thinly sliced red onions or pickles work wonders.
Side Dishes
Some simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies complement these sliders perfectly. When I want to keep it classic, smoky baked beans or crunchy coleslaw provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve served the sloppy joe chicken in mini lettuce cups lined up on a pretty platter to create a colorful finger food spread. Another time, I made a big bowl of the sloppy joe mix and let everyone pile their own on sweet potato rounds or slider buns—such a fun build-your-own approach that always gets rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the chicken mixture separate from the sweet potato rounds. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, and the sweet potatoes maintain their texture when reheated gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion the shredded chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you thaw it, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and serve with freshly roasted sweet potato rounds or buns.
Reheating
I usually reheat leftover chicken sloppy joe mix in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture. For the sweet potatoes, a quick roast in the oven or toast in a skillet refreshes their texture and flavor beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will cut down on cooking time, but I find whole chicken shredded after slow cooking has better texture and flavor absorption for this recipe.
Yes! Using sweet potato rounds instead of buns keeps it gluten-free, and there’s no dairy in the recipe unless you add yogurt as a garnish. Make sure your tomato sauce and coconut aminos are labeled gluten-free if needed.
You can! Use the sauté function first to combine the sauce ingredients, then add chicken and set to pressure cook for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. Finish by shredding the chicken in the pot.
Roast the sweet potatoes on a high temperature until crisp on the edges. Let them rest on a wire rack after roasting so steam doesn’t soften them before serving. Serving immediately is best for maintaining texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s downright comforting but packs a healthy punch with minimal effort. I genuinely love how it brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds, without me spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try soon, and I’m confident you’ll keep it in heavy rotation, too.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes 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: Low Lactose
Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders feature tender shredded chicken cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce with a hint of sweetness from dates and a blend of spices. Served between crispy sweet potato rounds, they provide a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
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
- 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 brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds and lightly brush both sides with avocado or olive oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Mix the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In a bowl, combine the organic tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut amino, finely chopped dates, shredded carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken breast and/or thighs into a slow cooker. Pour the prepared Sloppy Joe sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is fully tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the remaining sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders: Using two sweet potato rounds as the 'bun,' spoon a generous amount of the shredded chicken Sloppy Joe mixture onto one round and top with another sweet potato round. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter option, serve the shredded chicken in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens instead of sweet potato rounds.
- The finely chopped dates add a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy tomato sauce, but you can omit them if preferred.
- Swap avocado oil with olive oil or another neutral oil according to preference.
- Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
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: 75 mg
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