There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a hearty, comforting slider that also feels a little fresh and wholesome. The Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is that perfect balance—juicy, flavorful chicken nestled between naturally sweet rounds of roasted sweet potato. Trust me, this is one slider game you'll want to make over and over.

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

I still remember the first time I made these sliders—slow cooking the chicken all afternoon filled the kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. The combination of tangy tomato sauce, a touch of sweetness from dates, and smoky spices just hits all the right notes. Plus, swapping regular buns for sweet potato rounds adds a fun, nutritious twist that never gets old.

Hands-Off Cooking: Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your afternoon while the flavors develop beautifully.
Unique Slider Base: Sweet potato rounds replace bread, adding natural sweetness and extra nutrients without sacrificing the slider experience.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The blend of tomato paste, mustard, vinegar, and a hint of dates creates a complex sauce that feels homemade and comforting.
Family-Friendly: These sliders are perfect for both kids and adults—easy to eat, flavorful, and healthy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish pop. From the juicy chicken that forms the base to the sweet potato slices that serve as the slider buns, these components blend to create a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Here’s a quick rundown of what goes in and why.

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: I love combining breasts for lean protein with thighs for tender, juicy texture—perfect for shredding after slow cooking.
Organic tomato sauce: Adds richness and a slightly sweet tomato base that balances the tangy and smoky flavors.
Canned organic tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor for a classic sloppy joe taste.
Yellow mustard: Brings that familiar tang that grounds the flavor—a must-have in sloppy joes!
Apple cider vinegar: Gives a bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
Coconut aminos: A gentle, soy-free substitute that adds umami and depth.
Pitted dates (optional): Just a few chopped bring natural sweetness without adding processed sugar.
Shredded carrots: Sneaks in some extra veggies for subtle sweetness and texture.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper: These spices layer smoky, savory, and aromatic notes throughout the dish.
Sweet potatoes: Slice into rounds to serve as a naturally gluten-free, vitamin-packed alternative to buns.
Avocado or olive oil: For roasting the sweet potato rounds until tender and slightly crispy.

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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 the things I really enjoy about this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you're looking to lighten it up or boost the flavor, making it your own keeps the dish fresh and exciting.

Variation: I've swapped the sweet potato rounds for lettuce wraps on busy nights when I’m craving something lighter—still delicious and mess-free!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce gives these sliders a nice kick.
Protein swap: If you prefer, ground turkey or beef can easily replace chicken for a different twist.
Make it vegan: Try shredded jackfruit with similar seasonings instead of chicken for a plant-based version.

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 the Chicken and Sauce

I like to start by whisking together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, and those finely chopped dates if I’m using them. This sweet-meets-tangy sauce is the heart of the sliders. Then, I place the chicken breasts and/or thighs into the slow cooker—no need to brown beforehand—just nestle them in and pour the sauce right on top.

Step 2: Add Spices and Carrots

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over everything. Toss in the shredded carrots, which add a bit of subtle sweetness and texture once cooked. Give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute the spices, then cover and set the slow cooker on low for about 4 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potato Rounds

While the chicken is slow cooking, slice your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. I brush them lightly with avocado or olive oil and roast them in a 400°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through so they get tender and just a little caramelized around the edges. These will become your “buns” for the sliders—naturally sweet and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious chicken.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, I shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks—this usually takes 3-5 minutes of gentle shredding. Mix everything together so the sauce coats every bit of chicken perfectly. Then, assemble sliders by spooning the chicken mixture onto your roasted sweet potato rounds and topping with another round. Simple and utterly scrumptious.

Top Tip

I've learned a few tricks over the years that really take this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe to the next level. They’re little things that can make a big difference in texture and flavor—worth the extra minute or two in prep!

Even Slices: Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to get your sweet potato slices uniform, so they roast evenly every time.
Don’t Skip the Carrots: They add moisture and natural sweetness that balances the tangy tomato sauce—trust me, they blend in perfectly once shredded.
Shred While Warm: Doing this inside the slow cooker is easier and ensures the chicken soaks up all those rich flavors.
Keep Some Sauce: If you want your sliders a little saucier, reserve a bit of the tomato mixture before shredding and stir it in afterward.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top these sliders with a few simple garnishes—fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color, and a thin slice of pickled jalapeño kicks up the flavor just a notch. Sometimes a little shredded cheddar or a dollop of Greek yogurt works wonders too if you want that creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

These sliders go great with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, crunchy pickles, or even some roasted veggies on the side. I especially love pairing them with coleslaw—it adds that cool crunch and tang that complements the rich chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served these on game day or at casual gatherings, I like arranging them on a wooden board with the sweet potato rounds stacked like little burgers. Adding small flags or toothpicks for easy grabbing makes them party-perfect. You can also build a slider bar with different toppings for guests to customize their own creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge—keeps great for 3-4 days. I recommend storing the sweet potato rounds separately in another container or wrapped tightly in foil, so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Freezing the shredded chicken works well—you can portion it into freezer bags or containers for quick meal prep later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I don't freeze the sweet potato rounds as they tend to lose texture after thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, I like warming the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. The sweet potato rounds toast back beautifully in a toaster oven or skillet to regain their crisp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but be sure to add extra cooking time to allow them to fully thaw and cook in the slow cooker. I usually set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours when using frozen meat to ensure tenderness.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe by cooking the chicken in a covered Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stove over low heat. Simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred. Just keep an eye on the moisture so the sauce doesn’t dry out.

Are sweet potato rounds the only option for the slider buns?

Not at all! Sweet potato rounds offer a wonderful natural sweetness and nutrition, but you can substitute with whole wheat slider buns, lettuce wraps for a low-carb version, or even roasted polenta slices if you want something different.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, roast sweet potato rounds just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. This makes entertaining easier and speeds up serving time.

Final Thoughts

I love recommending this Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe whenever friends ask for something both comforting and a little different. It satisfies that craving for classic sloppy joes but with a thoughtful twist that’s a bit lighter and packed with flavor. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy sliders at home.