Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing sandwich with a delightful Italian twist, then this Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine tender ground chicken simmered in flavorful herbs and marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all nestled between toasted buns. This dish takes the beloved sloppy joe concept and turns it into a sophisticated yet simple dinner that everyone will love. It’s quick to make, packed with rich flavors, and perfect for any weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to how wonderfully balanced this recipe is. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor or texture that transforms basic ground chicken into a mouthwatering, cheesy delight.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Offers that classic Italian herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Italian profile with its earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who love a little spice in their meal.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that keeps everything saucy and irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness that melds perfectly with the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving that gooey, cheesy finish.
- 4 hamburger buns: The sturdy vessel that holds all this goodness in place.
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns): For an extra golden, crispy bun that adds buttery flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, colorful touch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds to release those wonderful fragrant oils that form the foundation of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, add your ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want the chicken to have a nice golden color and no pink remaining to ensure it’s both tasty and safe to eat.
Step 3: Mix in the Herbs and Sauces
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour in the marinara sauce along with the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring everything together. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a juicy, saucy consistency that’s perfect for spooning.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns
While your sauce simmers, it’s time to get the buns ready. If you like, spread butter on the insides of the buns and toast them in a skillet or under your broiler until golden and crisp. This step adds a delightful crunch and richness that makes the sandwich truly irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the filling and pop them under a hot broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese into a bubbly, gooey topping. Finish with the top bun, a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley is not just for looks—it adds a burst of herbal brightness that balances the savory richness of the dish beautifully. Don’t skip this final touch if you want to impress!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy oven-baked fries, a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or even roasted veggies to keep things light and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this filling inside crisp lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb alternative. Or pile the saucy mixture over cooked zucchini noodles for a creative Italian-inspired bowl that is just as satisfying but adds a fresh vegetable boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes filling keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing the buns, as they tend to get mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the filling gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or marinara if it seems dry. Then melt some fresh mozzarella on top under the broiler if you want to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will yield a similar flavor profile, just be sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives or even finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option that still offers great texture.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild kick, enough to brighten the flavor without overwhelming most palates. You can always omit or adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, making dinner prep even easier on busy nights.
What type of buns work best?
Sturdy hamburger buns are ideal because they hold up well under the saucy filling. Brioche or potato rolls also make delicious, slightly sweeter options that complement the savory and cheesy flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for bringing a little Italian flair to an American classic. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience all those cheesy, saucy bites that will quickly make this one of your go-to comfort meals!
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining ground chicken with Italian flavors like marinara, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. This quick and easy stovetop recipe makes a comforting main course perfect for weeknight dinners, with a rich, cheesy sauce served on toasted hamburger buns. Optional fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, ensuring there are no pink spots remaining.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, marinara sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Toast Buns (Optional): While the sauce simmers, optionally butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble and Melt Cheese: Spoon the warm chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. Place the assembled bottom halves under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Top each sandwich with the remaining bun halves. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a slightly different flavor and similar texture.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over spiralized zucchini noodles instead of buns.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sandwich.
- Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as garnish adds freshness and enhances visual appeal.
- To make the dish dairy-free, omit the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
