The Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food without the fuss. Combining tender, slow-cooked chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce with naturally sweet, perfectly roasted sweet potato rounds, this dish delivers an irresistible blend of savory and sweet in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a wholesome meal, these sliders bring such a fun and delicious twist to classic sloppy joes that you’re going to want to make them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and work together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Every component, from the tender chicken to the smoky spices and sweet roasted potatoes, adds a layer of deliciousness that’s both comforting and fresh.
- 2 lbs. boneless chicken breast and/or thighs: Provides juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for shredding and soaking up the sauce.
- 14 oz. can organic tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sloppy joe sauce.
- ¼ cup canned organic tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 3 Tbsp. yellow mustard: Adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 tsp. coconut amino: A savory, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce that deepens umami.
- 3 pitted dates, finely chopped (optional): A natural touch of sweetness that complements the smoky spices.
- ¾ cup shredded carrots: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle crunch to the sauce.
- 1 tsp. garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth with aromatic garlic flavor.
- ½ tsp. onion powder: Provides a mild oniony background that enriches the sauce.
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika: Brings smoky warmth that elevates the sloppy joe flavor.
- ¼ tsp. sea salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds: Used as a nutrient-packed, tasty slider bun alternative.
- Avocado oil or olive oil (for roasting): Helps achieve that perfect, slightly crispy, caramelized edge on the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by combining the tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut amino, chopped dates, shredded carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper in your slow cooker. Stir everything thoroughly until it’s a beautifully unified sauce ready to coat your chicken.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs right into the slow cooker, making sure they’re well covered with the sauce mixture. Pop the lid on and get ready to let those flavors meld together.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker on low for about 4 hours. This gentle heat makes the chicken incredibly tender, shreddable, and fully infused with the rich, tangy sauce. When time’s up, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker with two forks to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.
Step 4: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay out the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Lightly brush or spray both sides with avocado or olive oil – this is key for that perfect roast. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rounds are tender and just crisp on the edges.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Once both the shredded chicken and roasted sweet potatoes are ready, it’s time to build your sliders! Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one sweet potato round, then top with another round to create a fun and healthier “bun” alternative.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation
Serve these sliders warm and fresh from the oven. You can also get creative by using lettuce wraps or fresh greens if you want to mix up the presentation or keep things lighter.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little fresh garnish takes these sliders up a notch. Think bright green scallions, chopped fresh parsley, or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream to add a cooling contrast. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese melted on top can also make these sliders irresistibly gooey and cheesy.
Side Dishes
Even though the sweet potato rounds double as your slider buns, pairing these sliders with a crisp side salad or some steamed green beans offers a fresh, bright balance. A tangy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad could provide the perfect crunchy contrast for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or add a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken sloppy joe mix over baked sweet potato halves or in small lettuce cups instead of slider “buns.” You can also turn these into skewers by stacking the chicken and sweet potato rounds on toothpicks for easy, bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the roasted sweet potato slices separate to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
The shredded chicken sloppy joe mixture freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, label it clearly, and freeze for up to 3 months. The sweet potato rounds are best roasted fresh but can be frozen if necessary, though they may become softer when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Warm the sweet potato rounds in a toaster oven or conventional oven to regain some crispness, and then assemble your sliders just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of boneless breasts or thighs?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well if you’re short on time. You can cook it directly in the sauce on the stovetop before assembling the sliders.
Are these sliders suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The sauce and shredded chicken keep well in the fridge, making it perfect to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week with freshly roasted sweet potatoes or other bases.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. The recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses sweet potatoes instead of traditional buns, and all the sauces are gluten-free. Just double-check your coconut amino and tomato products if you’re very sensitive.
What can I substitute for coconut amino?
If you don’t have coconut amino, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari makes a great substitute and adds similar umami depth.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right into the slow cooker along with the other spices to give the sauce an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making and sharing the Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate: nourishing, satisfying, and simply fun to eat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your slow cooker rotation forever!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe offers a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe, using tender shredded chicken cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on roasted sweet potato rounds for a gluten-free and nutrient-packed slider option.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Chicken
- 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 aminos
- 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
Sweet Potato Sliders
- 2 sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Avocado oil or olive oil (for roasting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, chopped dates, shredded carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place boneless chicken breasts and/or thighs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce mixture. Cover with the lid to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shred with forks. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce for a cohesive sloppy joe mixture.
- Roast Sweet Potato Rounds: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange sweet potato slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly coat both sides with avocado or olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and edges are slightly crispy.
- Assemble Sliders: Place a generous spoonful of the shredded chicken mixture onto one roasted sweet potato round, then top with another round to form a slider. Repeat until all are assembled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliders warm. Optionally, enjoy the chicken mixture in lettuce wraps or over a salad for a lighter meal option. Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for more moisture and tenderness if preferred.
- Dates add natural sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- Roast sweet potatoes until edges crisp up slightly to prevent sogginess when assembling sliders.
- Can be adapted for a low-carb diet by serving chicken in lettuce wraps instead of sweet potato rounds.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
