Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on two beloved dishes—classic Sloppy Joes and Chicken Parmesan. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and served on toasted buns. It’s cheesy, saucy, and perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Family Favorite – Cheesy, flavorful, and kid-approved.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Great for Leftovers – Store and reheat easily for another tasty meal.
Perfect Mashup – Combines the best parts of Sloppy Joes and Chicken Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water

For Serving:

• 6 sandwich buns or brioche buns, lightly toasted
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Toaster or oven
• Sheet pan (optional, for broiling cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics and Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
2. Mix well to combine and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken mixture.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. While the chicken mixture simmers, toast your buns in a toaster or on a sheet pan under the broiler.
2. For extra flavor, brush the buns with a little olive oil or butter before toasting.

Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

1. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
2. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
3. Optional: Place assembled buns (open-faced) under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly.
4. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and add the top bun.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. Serve hot with your favorite side dish—fries, a green salad, or roasted veggies make great pairings.
2. Keep plenty of napkins on hand—it’s a deliciously messy meal!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Use Quality Marinara – A good tomato sauce makes a big difference in flavor.
Toast the Buns – This prevents sogginess and adds texture.
Cheese Variations – Add provolone, ricotta, or even a slice of fresh mozzarella for extra indulgence.
Add Veggies – Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to bulk it up.
Make It Spicy – Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Serving Suggestions
Crispy Garlic Fries – The perfect sidekick for a cheesy sandwich.
Simple Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Pickled Vegetables – Brighten up your plate with something tangy.
Potato Wedges – Oven-roasted and seasoned to perfection.
Fruit Salad – A sweet and fresh pairing, especially in warmer months.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store the chicken mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat the chicken mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Toast fresh buns and reassemble just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and delivers similar flavor and texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat and serve when ready.

3. Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitute.

Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes bring the best of both worlds together in one simple, crave-worthy sandwich. With gooey cheese, rich marinara, and juicy ground chicken, they’re an instant hit for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun new dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing party food, this recipe checks every box.

Make it tonight and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your version with us.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American–Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 610mg

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