Meet your new comfort food obsession: Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner. This irresistible dish takes everything you love about classic chicken parm — the juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese — and transforms it into the ultimate handheld experience. With quick prep, everyday ingredients, and bold Italian-American flavors all tucked inside a toasty brioche bun, it’s the perfect way to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. Expect an explosion of taste (and a little mess), all in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a tight list of accessible ingredients, each bringing special magic to the table. You’ll find every element matters here: from the richness of the cheese to the freshness of herbs, each ingredient punches well above its weight in flavor, texture, or color.
- Ground chicken: The lean, mild protein base takes center stage, soaking up all that herby, tomato-rich sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely, fruity richness, ensuring the onions and garlic come to life in the pan.
- Onion (finely diced): Sweet and savory, onion forms a fragrant, flavorful backbone to the filling.
- Garlic (minced): There’s no such thing as too much garlic here — it infuses every bite with classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (15-ounce can): These form the luscious, tangy, tomato-forward sauce that binds the dish.
- Tomato paste: A couple of tablespoons deliver concentrated tomato richness and thicken the sauce perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings home the classic “chicken parm” taste.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little tingle of heat; feel free to dial up or down to suit your crowd.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential flavor boosters, perfectly seasoning every layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melty, it melds into the filling for authentic Italian depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Get ready for that signature cheesy pull — mozzarella brings creamy, bubbly topping.
- Brioche or sandwich buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all the savory goodness.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped): Bright green herbs add color and a burst of freshness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it starts to shimmer, toss in your finely diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion is translucent and the whole kitchen starts to smell incredible — this aromatic base is what lays the groundwork for seriously savory Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken directly into the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently; you want small, tender pieces that brown evenly and soak up all those onion and garlic flavors. This step takes about 6 to 8 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left in the meat.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and (if you like a little heat) the red pepper flakes, along with salt and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is blanketed in sauce. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer uncoverd for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors of your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner come together in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan
Now, shower in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it into the mixture — the cheese will melt right in, thickening and seasoning the filling with its salty depth. As soon as it’s glossy and well-combined, remove your pan from the heat. You’re almost there!
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast your brioche or sandwich buns, either in a dry skillet, toaster, or in the oven for a couple of minutes. For extra crisp, brush them with a little butter before toasting. This extra step keeps the buns from getting soggy and adds an irresistible bit of crunch to every bite of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Step 6: Assemble and Broil
Load each toasted bun generously with the hot chicken filling, then sprinkle a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Slide the open sandwiches under your broiler for 1 to 2 minutes (keep a close eye — cheese melts fast!) until it’s golden, bubbly, and begging to be devoured.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Not only does it look beautiful, it adds a fragrant brightness that cuts through the rich tomato and cheese. Grab a napkin and serve your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner right away!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner
Garnishes
A generous pinch of freshly chopped basil or parsley goes a long way here. If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), a snowy dusting of freshly grated Parmesan is a glorious finishing touch. Sometimes I even add a drizzle of good olive oil or a little extra red pepper flake for those who like things punchy.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a pile of crispy oven fries, or go for a big Italian salad loaded with pepperoncini, olives, and a zesty vinaigrette. These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner also pair beautifully with roasted broccoli or a simple plate of steamed green beans to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to get adventurous, try serving the filling over toasted garlic bread instead of buns, or spooned onto a bed of spaghetti for a playful twist on chicken parm pasta. For a party, make slider-sized versions, or ditch the bread entirely and ladle the filling onto grilled zucchini planks for a lighter, low-carb take on Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), the chicken mixture can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the filling and buns separate so everything stays fresh and doesn’t go soggy.
Freezing
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner filling freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool down fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have a fast homemade meal on hand whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Reheating
Reheat the filling gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. Or, use a microwave for even speedier results. Toast fresh buns, add the mozzarella, and give them a quick pass under the broiler just like you did before — the magic’s all there, even on day two.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey for a very similar texture and mild flavor, or ground beef for a richer, heartier take. Just adjust your seasoning to taste, as beef is a bit more robust. Either way, you’ll end up with a fantastic riff on Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Are these sandwiches spicy with the red pepper flakes?
Not unless you want them to be! The amount listed adds just a hint of warmth, but it’s totally adjustable. If you’re not a fan of heat, simply leave them out, or amp it up if you’re serving spice lovers. The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner is how customizable it is.
What if I don’t have brioche buns?
No problem at all. Regular sandwich buns, hamburger rolls, ciabatta, or even sturdy sourdough slices work well. Just look for something that’s soft yet strong enough to stand up to all that glorious saucy filling!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The chicken mixture can be cooked 1 to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just reheat and assemble as directed — perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you still want the full Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner experience.
Is there a gluten-free option?
For sure! Use your favorite gluten-free buns, or skip the bread entirely and pile the chicken mixture onto baked potatoes, rice, or zucchini boats for a fun, wheat-free Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how quick, customizable, and downright delicious Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner are, I hope you’ll give them a try. They’re one of those rare meals that feels cozy and exciting at the same time. Gather your favorite people, grab some napkins, and let this cheesy, saucy delight become a repeat hit in your kitchen!
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a sloppy joe. This easy and delicious dinner is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 brioche or sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground chicken, cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon chicken mixture onto toasted buns. Top with mozzarella. Broil until cheese melts. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, butter and toast the buns before assembling.
- Consider serving the filling over pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
