Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine two favorite comfort food classics into one irresistible meal. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and served on toasted buns for a fun, family-friendly twist on traditional Sloppy Joes. It’s fast, cheesy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Comfort Foods in One – Combines the best of Sloppy Joes and Chicken Parmesan.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Family Favorite – Cheesy, saucy, and perfect for picky eaters.
Great for Meal Prep – Makes excellent leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Add spice, veggies, or different cheeses to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Filling:

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

For Serving:

• 6 hamburger buns or brioche buns, toasted
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Toaster or oven for buns
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)
• Baking sheet (optional, for melting cheese on buns)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Cook Chicken

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

Step 2: Add Tomato Sauce

1. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
2. Mix well to combine, and bring to a simmer.
3. Let it cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. While the sauce simmers, toast the buns in the oven or toaster.
2. For extra flavor, brush them lightly with olive oil or butter before toasting.

Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

1. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto each bottom bun.
2. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Optional: place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Top with fresh basil or parsley and the top bun.

Step 5: Serve Hot

1. Serve immediately with your favorite side—think fries, salad, or roasted veggies.
2. Keep napkins handy—these are messy in the best way!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Use Quality Marinara – The sauce is key to flavor, so pick a good one or make your own.
Toast the Buns – Keeps them from getting soggy and adds texture.
Cheese It Up – Don’t be shy with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Customize Heat – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Double the Batch – This recipe is easy to scale up for parties or meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan Fries – Crispy and cheesy to match the flavor theme.
Italian Salad – A crisp salad with olives, tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make great, healthy sides.
Pickle Spears – A tangy contrast to the cheesy, saucy filling.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store the chicken mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Buns can be kept at room temperature in a sealed bag.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat the chicken mixture in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Toast fresh buns and assemble just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone or even a little shredded cheddar can be added for variety.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the chicken filling ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

4. Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are the perfect mashup of two beloved classics. They’re saucy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy—ideal for family dinners, game nights, or any time you want something hearty and fun. With minimal effort and big flavor, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Try it out and don’t forget to share your photos and feedback. This one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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