There’s something so satisfying about a warm, saucy sandwich that just melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe takes that classic comfort food to a whole new level with juicy chicken and a fun twist—sweet potato “buns” instead of bread. It’s hearty, healthy, and unbelievably easy to make.

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

I remember the first time I served these sliders at a casual weekend get-together—everyone was intrigued by the sweet potato rounds and ended up going back for thirds! What’s so great about this recipe is its perfect balance of savory and a hint of sweetness, plus the hands-off slow cooker magic that lets you come back to a warm, fragrant meal.

Effortless weeknight dinner: Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner’s ready when you walk in.
Unexpected twist: Using sweet potato rounds instead of traditional buns adds natural sweetness and a boost of nutrition.
Family-friendly flavors: Mild spices and a touch of sweetness make this a win for kids and adults alike.
Versatile serving options: Go classic or lighten things up with lettuce wraps or over greens—it’s all good!

Ingredients & Why They Work

The combination here shines with simple ingredients you might already have, made better together in the slow cooker. Each element adds depth and richness without needing you to stand over the stove for hours.

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: Thighs add tenderness and flavor, while breasts keep it lean; a combo works perfectly.
Organic tomato sauce & tomato paste: They create that rich, saucy base that's both tangy and comforting.
Yellow mustard: Adds a subtle kick balancing the sweetness and acidity.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce, keeping it lively.
Coconut amino: A soy sauce alternative that deepens umami flavor without overpowering.
Pitted dates: Optional, but a game-changer for natural sweetness that softens the tangs.
Shredded carrots: Sneaks in some veggies with a touch of sweetness and texture.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika: These spices add warmth and smokiness essential to that “sloppy joe” vibe.
Sea salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that round out all the flavors.
Sweet potatoes: The star alternative to buns—naturally sweet, sturdy, and wholesome.
Avocado or olive oil: Used for roasting sweet potatoes to get that perfect caramelized edge.

📝

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 mixing things up based on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. You can easily swap in ground chicken if you prefer or even turkey. And if you’re feeling adventurous, adding a bit of chopped jalapeño really wakes it up in a way that’s not overwhelming.

Spicy variation: I once added a pinch of cayenne and diced jalapeños to ramp up the flavor—totally delicious and perfect for spice lovers!
Low-carb option: Skip the sweet potatoes and use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a light, fresh alternative.
Seasonal swaps: You can roast butternut squash rounds instead of sweet potatoes for a fall twist.

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 the Sauce and Chicken

First, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and chopped dates (if using) in a bowl. Stir in the shredded carrots and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker and pour this sauce mixture over them, making sure each piece is well-covered.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Magic

Cover and cook on low for about 3.5 to 4 hours. The chicken should fall apart easily with a fork—this is when you know it’s perfectly tender and ready. Avoid lifting the lid too much to keep the heat in and speed up the process.

Step 3: Shred and Mix

Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir everything together so the sauce coats every bit of that tender meat. If you want the sauce thicker, remove the chicken and let the sauce cook on high with the lid off for 15-20 minutes to reduce.

Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potato “Buns”

While the chicken is finishing up, slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Toss them lightly with avocado or olive oil, sea salt, and a pinch of pepper. Roast in a 425°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To build your sliders, spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe chicken onto one sweet potato round and top it with another. Serve immediately for the best warm, tender experience.

Top Tip

After making this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the end result. These small tweaks can make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts: Thighs keep the meat juicy, while breasts keep it lean and shred easily—best of both worlds!
Don’t skip the dates: That subtle natural sweetness balances the tang and spices, especially if you’re cooking for kids.
Roast sweet potatoes just right: Make sure they’re tender but still hold their shape—too soft and the sliders fall apart.
Thicken sauce if needed: After shredding, if your sauce feels too thin, reduce it by simmering for 15 minutes without the lid.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Sliders - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions for color and fresh flavor. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or tangy pickles on the side adds a nice cooling contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Crisp green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even some simple roasted broccoli go beautifully alongside these sliders. For a cozy meal, I love serving it with baked sweet potato fries or air fryer veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Arrange these sliders on a long platter with colorful sides and plenty of napkins. I’ve also layered the shredded chicken over sweet potato toast topped with sliced avocado for a brunch twist that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I keep the shredded chicken sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I portion the shredded chicken into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the texture tender without drying out. If using sweet potato rounds, roast fresh ones for serving rather than freezing them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Ground chicken works great in this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe. Just toss it in with the sauce and cook until fully done, shredding isn’t necessary though you can crumble it up to mimic the texture.

Are sweet potato slices sturdy enough to hold the sloppy joe filling?

They are, as long as you slice them about ¼-inch thick and roast them until tender but not too soft. They provide a slightly sweet, sturdy base that holds up better than you might expect.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To adapt it, you can substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked lentils and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce in place of coconut aminos. The slow cooking develops great flavor in plant-based options as well.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers stay good for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, reheat gently and add moisture if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to time and time again because it just feels like a warm hug on a plate. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy packed into every bite keeps everyone happy, whether it’s a busy weekday meal or a casual weekend hangout. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes your new family favorite, just like it did for me.