Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
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; 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 brushing

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.

The image shows a sandwich with two thick slices of toasted brown bread. The bottom layer has green leafy lettuce, topped with thin slices of purple onion. Above that is a large pile of shredded cooked meat mixed with small green herb pieces. The top slice of brown bread rests above, slightly tilted. The sandwich sits on a surface with a white marbled texture and the background is a blurry gray. 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 Joes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

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.

Flat lay of fresh boneless chicken breasts and thighs arranged naturally, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant organic tomato sauce, another small bowl filled with rich organic tomato paste, a small white bowl holding bright yellow mustard, a small bowl with clear apple cider vinegar, a small bowl of dark coconut aminos, three glossy pitted dates chopped finely on a white plate, a neat pile of bright shredded carrots, a small heap of golden smoked paprika powder, separate small piles of fine garlic powder and onion powder on the white surface, tiny piles of sea salt and black pepper, two thick slices of fresh sweet potato rounds, and a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, all arranged with 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: 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.

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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 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

The image shows a sandwich and coleslaw on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light green leafy vegetable, the middle layer is shredded orange chicken mixed with green herbs and chopped red onions, and the top layer is a thick, toasted orange bun slightly tilted. Next to the sandwich is a generous serving of coleslaw made of shredded white and purple cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and green herbs, all mixed and lightly coated. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

Chicken Sloppy Joes - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use ground chicken instead of whole chicken breasts or thighs?

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.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

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.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

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.

How do I prevent the sweet potato rounds from getting soggy?

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.