There’s something just perfect about a **Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe** that’s both comforting and a little unexpected. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, nestled between crisp sweet potato rounds instead of buns. It’s the kind of recipe that turns dinner into a cozy, flavor-packed party.

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 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

Honestly, this recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something fuss-free but full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making the chicken beautifully tender, and the blend of spices with a hint of sweetness hits just the right note every time.

No-Bun Sliders: Using sweet potato rounds instead of traditional buns adds flavor and a nutritious twist everyone appreciates.
Easy Prep & Cooking: Just dump ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you tackle your day.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A little tang, a little sweetness, and just enough spices make this a crowd-pleaser.
Family Friendly & Versatile: It’s great for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in giving this dish its charm, from the tender chicken to the natural sweetness of dates and carrots, plus the smoky and tangy layers of flavor. Here’s why I choose each one and tips for getting the best results.

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: Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, but breasts work well if you want leaner meat—feel free to use a mix!
Organic Tomato Sauce: The base of that rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce, opt for a good-quality sauce with minimal additives.
Organic Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Yellow Mustard: Adds a mild tanginess and depth that wakes up the sauce without overpowering it.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness and richness.
Coconut Amino: A great soy sauce alternative that adds umami and a slight sweetness without gluten.
Pitted Dates (Optional): Chopped finely, they melt into the sauce providing natural sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Shredded Carrots: They blend seamlessly into the mix, adding a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: The spice trio that layers on warmth, smokiness, and savory depth.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Sweet Potatoes: Instead of bread buns, these roasted rounds add texture, sweetness, and a nutritious twist.
Avocado or Olive Oil: For roasting the sweet potatoes to crispy perfection.

📝

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

This recipe invites personalization—whether it’s swapping chicken for turkey, toning down the sweetness, or taking a gluten-free approach. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or my mood.

Variation: I sometimes use turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner option, and I love adding a bit of chipotle powder to amp up the smoky heat.
Dietary tweaks: For those avoiding nightshades, you can experiment with a carrot-based sauce instead of tomato. It changes the profile but keeps that saucy feel.
Swap the sweet potatoes: If you want a lower-carb option, thick pickle slices or lettuce wraps also make great “buns.”
Make it vegan: Try a plant-based chicken alternative and substitute coconut aminos with tamari or soy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders 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: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping those dates finely if using—they dissolve better that way. Shred the carrots and gather your spices. Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds (a mandoline helps if you have one). Toss the rounds in a bit of avocado or olive oil and roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway to get them nicely golden and crisp. This roasting adds a wonderful texture to your “buns.”

Step 2: Layer Into the Slow Cooker

Place your chicken into the slow cooker and pour the tomato sauce and tomato paste over it. Add the mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut amino, chopped dates, shredded carrots, and spices. Stir everything gently to combine so the chicken will soak up all those flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Set the slow cooker to low for about 4 hours—this slow, gentle cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. I’ve found this timing perfect for shredding the meat right in the cooker without it drying out or turning mushy.

Step 4: Shred and Mix

After 4 hours, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to coat the meat in all that saucy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a dash of vinegar at this stage to balance it out.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders

Now for the fun part—build your sliders! Spoon the sloppy joe chicken over your roasted sweet potato rounds and stack them like little sandwiches. You can add optional garnishes like pickles or a smear of mustard or even some sliced avocado for creaminess and fresh flavor contrast.

Top Tip

From my experience, mastering the balance of flavors and textures takes this recipe to the next level. A few tweaks really make a difference when you’re aiming for that perfect slider.

Roast Sweet Potatoes Properly: Don’t skip roasting the sweet potatoes to crispy perfection—they offer a satisfying bite that contrasts the tender chicken.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Slow cooking for 4 hours on low is enough; longer can make shredded meat too mushy.
Adjust Sweetness & Acidity After Cooking: Taste test before serving, and add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sweetener as needed to perfectly balance the sauce.
Use Fresh Carrots: Shredded carrots add natural sweetness and texture—grate them fresh, don’t substitute with pre-packaged shredded carrots to keep the best taste.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top these sliders with thin pickle slices for tang, or a little chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. Some creamy avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream if you prefer) add a lovely cool contrast that I adore.

Side Dishes

Since these sliders are filling, I like pairing them with a crisp side salad—sometimes a crunchy coleslaw or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or even some sweet potato fries work for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these sliders on a large platter with colorful garnishes like sliced radishes, mini pickles, and fresh herbs. I’ve also served them open-faced with extra slaw on top for a fun twist. They always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken mixture in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sweet potato “buns” I store separately wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

This chicken mixture freezes well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat it over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring often. For the sweet potato rounds, reheating in a toaster oven or under the broiler briefly refreshes their crispiness better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to adjust your slow cooker time - frozen chicken usually takes about 6-7 hours on low. Also check that it’s heated all the way through before shredding.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can prepare this on the stovetop simmering the sauce and chicken in a covered pot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.

Are there any good substitutions for the dates?

Absolutely! You can use a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey instead for sweetness, or leave them out if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free tomato products and verify your mustard and coconut aminos are gluten-free. Serve with sweet potato rounds or lettuce wraps for a bun-free option.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is such a cozy, feel-good dish that I love sharing with friends and family. I find it hits that sweet spot between quick prep and hearty satisfaction. Whether you’re gathering for game day, weeknight dinner, or just want something a bit different, these sliders deliver with minimal effort and plenty of flavor. Give it a try—you might end up keeping this in your rotation like I have!