Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 25 min
Total time: 4 h 40 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 (optional for touch of sweetness); 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 roasting)

If you love classic comfort food but want a fun, healthier twist, you’re going to flip for this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe. Imagine that tangy, saucy sloppy joe goodness packed with juicy shredded chicken—not beef—slow-cooked until tender, then served between perfectly roasted sweet potato rounds instead of regular buns. I absolutely love how this turns out: flavorful, satisfying, and a little unexpected in the best way. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my insider tips so you can nail this meal the first time around.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Ease: Let your slow cooker do the hard work while you get on with your day.
Healthier Swap: Using chicken and sweet potatoes gives you a lighter, nutrient-packed meal.
Family Favorite: My crew asks for this recipe again and again — it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Serving: Whether you want sliders, lettuce wraps, or a salad topper, it’s your call.

A sandwich is shown on a white round plate placed on a white marbled surface, next to a serving of coleslaw. The sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom layer is green leafy lettuce, the middle layer has shredded orange and brown pulled chicken mixed with green herbs and small pieces of chopped white onion, and the top layer is a thick, round slice of toasted orange sweet potato acting as the sandwich bun. The coleslaw beside the sandwich is made of shredded white cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and some purple cabbage, all mixed with a light dressing. The setting includes a striped cloth in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe lies in the balance of tangy tomato, mustard, and just a hint of natural sweetness from dates. The spices bring warmth without overpowering, and the sweet potato rounds add the perfect base that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Boneless chicken breast and/or thighs: Thighs add richness; breasts keep it lean—feel free to mix for the perfect texture.
Organic tomato sauce: Smooth and rich, it forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that amps up the sauciness.
Yellow mustard: The tangy kick that defines sloppy joe flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
Coconut aminos: A soy sauce alternative that lends umami depth.
Pitted dates (optional): Chop finely for a subtle, natural sweetness without added sugar.
Shredded carrots: Adds a little texture and nutrition you won’t even notice.
Garlic powder: For warm, mellow garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds savory depth.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness to the sauce.
Sea salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors together.
Sweet potatoes: Sliced into ¼-inch rounds to replace traditional slider buns with a wholesome alternative.
Avocado or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potato rounds until tender and slightly crisped.

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.

Variations

I encourage you to customize this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—after all, the best meals are those tailored to you and your family’s preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little!

Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a splash of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat. I’ve done this for game day, and it’s a big hit!
Vegetarian Style: Swap the chicken for lentils or black beans for a plant-based version that’s still hearty and flavorful.
Use Regular Buns: If sweet potato rounds aren’t your thing, classic slider buns work great too—trust me, I’ve tried both ways.
Low Carb Option: Skip the sweet potatoes and wrap the chicken mixture in large lettuce leaves to keep things light and fresh.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken

Start by mixing the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, chopped dates (if using), shredded carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This sauce packs all the flavor you’ll want infusing the chicken as it cooks. Place your chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker, then pour this sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all pieces are nicely coated. This is where the magic begins, as the chicken slowly absorbs every bit of that tangy, smoky goodness.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours. I know it takes patience, but trust me—it’s so worth it. The chicken will become incredibly tender and easy to shred. If you’re in a rush, 3 hours on high also works, but I prefer low and slow for the best texture. Before moving on, check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and starts shredding easily with two forks.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potato Rounds

While your chicken is nearing done, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds and toss them lightly with avocado or olive oil, sea salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender but with slightly crisp edges. These will act as your “buns” and add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast.

Step 4: Shred and Assemble Your Sloppy Joe Sliders

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Don’t discard the left-over sauce—mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker to keep it juicy and flavorful. Now, pile the saucy chicken onto your roasted sweet potato rounds, sandwich two rounds together, and voilà: sliders that will steal the show at dinner.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Don’t Skip the Dates: Adding finely chopped dates creates a perfect natural sweetness that balances the tang without any processed sugar.
Even Sweet Potato Slices: Slicing your sweet potatoes evenly helps them roast uniformly, giving you consistent texture.
Use Both Breast and Thighs: Mixing chicken thighs with breasts keeps the filling juicy but not too rich.
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Watch the cooking time carefully—too long and the chicken can dry out despite the sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

The image shows a sandwich with two slices of brown bread. The bottom slice has a layer of sliced green cucumbers, topped with a layer of purple cabbage and shredded orange filling mixed with green herbs. The top slice of bread sits slightly angled on the filling. The sandwich is on white paper on a surface with a white marbled texture, with a blurred gray background behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love topping these sliders with a dollop of creamy avocado or a smear of tangy Greek yogurt to add richness and freshness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions gives a nice pop of color and subtle herbal notes that brighten the dish.

Side Dishes

My all-time favorite sides to go with these sliders are a crunchy kale Caesar salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts for extra greens. For something more classic, baked sweet potato fries or simple coleslaw provide great texture contrasts and complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, arrange the sliders on a large platter with little flags or toothpicks so everyone can grab easily. I’ve also served this chicken mixture in mini lettuce cups with crunchy slaw on top for a fresh and colorful appetizer at family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover chicken mixture and roasted sweet potato rounds separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the sweet potatoes from getting soggy, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful for 3-4 days.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the shredded chicken slurry in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. I don’t freeze the sweet potato rounds to avoid mushiness, so roasting a fresh batch is best when you’re ready to eat again.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. For the sweet potato rounds, a quick bake in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes refreshes their crispiness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of whole pieces in this recipe?

You absolutely can! Using ground chicken will cut down the shredding step, and the sauce will coat the bits nicely. Just add it directly to the sauce in the slow cooker and cook until fully done, usually around 3-4 hours on low.
Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! You can skip the sweet potato rounds and use lettuce leaves or low-carb buns instead. Also, swap any natural sweeteners like dates with a keto-friendly option or omit altogether.
How can I make the sweet potato rounds crispier?

Thinly slice your sweet potatoes evenly and roast them on a parchment-lined pan with a bit of oil, flipping halfway through. You can even broil them for the last 2 minutes for extra crispness, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely! Use the sauté function to mix your sauce ingredients and brown the chicken briefly, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes followed by a quick release. Just remember to shred the chicken after cooking and mix back with sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s easy, comforting, and brings something fresh to the table. I love that it’s a bit healthier but still delivers all the familiar sloppy joe flavors that make everyone happy. If you give this a try, I bet you’ll find it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you taste those sweet potato buns hugging that tender, flavorful chicken, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this one!