Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes - Cozy Family Favorite

Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes that immediately feels like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors slow-cooked to perfection, then paired with tender sweet potato rounds instead of buns? Absolutely delicious and fun to serve. I can't wait to share why this has become a family favorite in my kitchen.

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

This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe isn’t just your traditional sloppy joe — it’s a cozy twist that’s both wholesome and full of flavor. I’m always drawn to meals that I can set and forget but still deliver big on taste, and this one nails it every time.

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: The slow cooker does most of the work, so you get tender, flavorful chicken with minimal hands-on time.
Unique serving style: Sweet potato rounds take the place of buns, adding natural sweetness and a nutritious boost.
Balanced flavor: The combination of mustard, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos creates this perfect tangy-sweet-savory mix.
Family-friendly: Everyone from picky eaters to adults will love these sliders — plus, you can customize toppings or ways to serve.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in building that rich, saucy texture and deep flavor. I always keep an eye out for organic options when it comes to my tomato sauce and paste because the flavors are more vibrant and they’re a bit cleaner in taste. The sweet potatoes hold everything together nicely, adding texture and sweetness without extra carbs from buns.

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

Chicken breast and/or thighs: The chicken becomes so tender in the slow cooker, shredding easily and soaking up all those flavors.
Organic tomato sauce: Provides the rich base for your sloppy joe sauce — opting for organic really highlights freshness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully without added sweetness.
Yellow mustard: Adds tanginess and depth; it's key for that classic sloppy joe kick.
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds brightness to the sauce.
Coconut aminos: Brings umami and a subtle sweetness with less sodium than soy sauce.
Pitted dates: These little gems add a natural sweetness that enhances the sauce without making it sugary.
Shredded carrots: Sneaky veggies for added nutrition and moisture.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, pepper: These spices round out the savory layers and give the dish its smoky warmth.
Sweet potatoes: Sliced into rounds, they’re the perfect naturally sweet and sturdy "buns" for these sliders.
Avocado or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potato rounds until tender and a bit crispy around the edges.

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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 my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is how easily you can adjust it to your tastes or dietary needs. I like to switch it up depending on what I have on hand or the season.

Variation: I’ve swapped out sweet potatoes for butternut squash rounds before — it’s a fun twist especially during fall, and the texture holds up nicely too.
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce in the slow cooker if you like a little heat.
Vegetarian twist: You can replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit — it soaks up the sauce beautifully and mimics the texture perfectly.
Serve low-carb: Lighten it up by serving the chicken mixture wrapped in butter lettuce leaves instead of sweet potato rounds.

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 Your Chicken and Sauce

I start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, in a mixing bowl, I whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, chopped dates (if using), shredded carrots, and all the spices. This sauce is the magic that will transform the chicken into irresistible sloppy joe filling — don’t skip the stirring to get everything blended well.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Pour the sauce evenly over your chicken in the slow cooker. Cover it and cook on low for about 4 hours. The chicken will become beautifully tender and soak up all those flavors. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid — you want to keep that warmth and moisture sealed in for the best texture.

Step 3: Prep the Sweet Potato Rounds

While the chicken cooks, slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Lightly brush or toss them with avocado or olive oil, then roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for tender yet sturdy rounds that will hold your sloppy joe mixture without falling apart.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once the slow cooker time is up, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Stir well to combine the meat with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a touch more salt or a splash of vinegar makes all the difference.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders and Enjoy!

Top each sweet potato round with a hearty scoop of the sloppy joe chicken mixture, then serve open-faced or as sliders with another sweet potato round on top. These are perfect for casual family dinners or even game day snacking.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe shine. These tips saved me a few times and I hope they help you get the best results with less guesswork.

Use Thighs for Juiciness: While chicken breasts work, thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after long slow cooking.
Don’t Skip the Dates: They add a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity without making the dish cloying — totally worth including if you can!
Roast Sweet Potatoes Well: Make sure your sweet potato rounds have a little crisp edge; it keeps the sliders from getting soggy quickly.
Check Seasoning After Cooking: Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so always taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or vinegar if it needs a brightness boost.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro — it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of pickles or a dash of spicy mustard on top for a little zing. Grab your favorite toppings and make it your own!

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve these sliders with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Roasted green beans or a crunchy coleslaw also make fantastic sides — they bring texture and freshness to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, I arrange several sliders on a wooden board with little piles of different garnishes and dipping sauces on the side. Kids and adults alike love the option to customize their sliders. I’ve even served the chicken mixture over a bed of greens for a hearty salad version — just as delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the sliders are assembled or if you have extra sloppy joe chicken, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The sweet potato rounds are best stored separately and reheated before serving to keep their texture.

Freezing

I like to freeze the shredded chicken mixture in portioned containers or freezer bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and thaws easily overnight in the fridge. Just roast fresh sweet potato rounds when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken mixture gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Warm the sweet potato rounds in the oven or toaster oven to bring back their crisp edges before assembling your sliders again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in the slow cooker, making your Sloppy Joe mixture even more tender and delicious.

Are the sweet potato rounds the only way to serve these sliders?

Not at all! While the sweet potato rounds add a lovely natural sweetness, you can also serve the chicken mixture in lettuce wraps, on toasted buns, or even over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is naturally gluten-free when you serve it on sweet potato rounds or lettuce wraps, making it a great choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?

It takes about 4 hours on low heat to get tender, shreddable chicken infused with all those delicious sloppy joe flavors.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe has been a game changer in my meal rotation. It’s one of those dishes where comforting meets creative, and everyone always asks for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up for busy weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try — I’m confident it’ll quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way