Description
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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Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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¼ cup chicken broth or water
For Serving:
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6 sandwich buns or brioche buns, lightly toasted
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics and Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
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Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
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Mix well to combine and reduce heat to low.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken mixture.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
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While the chicken mixture simmers, toast your buns in a toaster or on a sheet pan under the broiler.
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For extra flavor, brush the buns with a little olive oil or butter before toasting.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
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Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
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Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Optional: Place assembled buns (open-faced) under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and add the top bun.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
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Serve hot with your favorite side dish—fries, a green salad, or roasted veggies make great pairings.
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Keep plenty of napkins on hand—it’s a deliciously messy meal!
Notes
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.