If you’re craving a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, this Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger all at once. Imagine juicy ground chicken, simmered in a rich, Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, then melted mozzarella cheese stirred in to create the ultimate sloppy joe filling. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and nestled in a toasted bun, these sloppy joes bring a mouthwatering blend of Italian flavors and playful fun to your dinner table. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal your family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and every one of them plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the tender ground chicken to the creamy mozzarella and tangy Parmesan, each component brings something special that together creates a harmonious, irresistible dish.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean, tender protein base that absorbs all the Italian seasonings beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic warmth and classic punch.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of your sauce, providing rich color and tang.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports the dish to Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce for a creamy, gooey texture.
- 4 sandwich buns or hamburger rolls: Toasted for a perfect crunch and to hold all the juicy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finishing touch on top.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, bringing richness and smoothness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
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. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing them slowly until they become fragrant and translucent—this should take about five minutes. This step is so important because it softens the onions and releases that sweet, garlicky essence that forms the base of your sauce.
Step 2: Brown The Ground Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks evenly. Continue to brown the chicken until it’s no longer pink and has a slight golden edge, which takes anywhere from seven to ten minutes. This ensures the meat is flavorful and perfectly cooked through before blending with the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer With Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for about ten minutes until it thickens slightly. This step lets all the flavors mingle and deepens the sauce’s rich, comforting taste.
Step 4: Melt In The Mozzarella
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. It will melt quickly, creating a stretchy, creamy texture that makes every bite utterly delicious. This step is what transforms these sloppy joes into a Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe experience you won’t forget.
Step 5: Toast The Buns
Set your oven’s broiler on high and toast the sandwich buns or hamburger rolls for one to two minutes until golden brown. This adds a wonderful crunch and prevents the buns from becoming soggy when you add the juicy filling.
Step 6: Assemble And Serve
Finally, spoon the warm chicken mixture onto each toasted bun, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe, consider sprinkling fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these sloppy joes with crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or even a simple garlic bread to complement the Italian flavors in the dish. These sides bring balance and extra satisfaction to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these sloppy joes open-faced on toasted ciabatta or slider buns for bite-sized appetizers. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a surprising sweet tang. The versatility of this recipe invites your creativity to shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps retain the flavors without drying out the meat mixture, so lunchtime the next day is just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, freeze the cooled chicken mixture separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to two months. Keep the buns and cheese separate to avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Toast your buns fresh in the oven or toaster, then assemble for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just like made from scratch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similarly mild flavor that pairs nicely with the Italian seasoning and cheeses.
What can I use if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
You can substitute crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes blended slightly for the right texture, though crushed tomatoes provide the best consistency for this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, swapping ground chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute can create a fantastic vegetarian Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce or use a spicy Italian seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns under the broiler before assembling creates a crispy barrier that keeps the buns from absorbing too much moisture from the filling.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe, it’s going to become a regular favorite in your household. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and fun twist on sloppy joes that combines the best of Italian cooking with a classic American sandwich. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal packed with love and wonderful taste. You’re going to love every bite!
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes recipe combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan into a fun and hearty sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground chicken is cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese before being served on toasted sandwich buns with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
To Serve
- 4 sandwich buns or hamburger rolls
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Melt mozzarella cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture and stir until the cheese melts and blends evenly.
- Toast the buns: Place sandwich buns under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until the tops turn golden brown.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture onto each toasted bun. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, then serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use ground chicken breast for a leaner option.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Substitute sandwich buns with whole wheat rolls for a healthier choice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce cheese quantities or use part-skim mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
