Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender ground chicken with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, all served on buttery toasted brioche buns. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 brioche buns
• 1/4 cup garlic margarine or butter
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F to prepare for toasting the buns.
2. Step 2: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and crumble it well as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan and stir to combine while the chicken continues cooking.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese, and stir well. Let it simmer gently while preparing the buns.
6. Step 6: Arrange the brioche buns on a baking sheet in a single layer and spread garlic margarine evenly on each cut side.
7. Step 7: Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
8. Step 8: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Step 9: Cover with the top bun halves, serve immediately, and enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Substitute turkey or beef for the chicken if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Use fresh basil leaves instead of pesto for a lighter, fresher taste.
• Try topping with sliced tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach for added texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Toast the buns fresh before assembling again to keep them crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works well and saves time. Choose a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Toast the buns and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 123 reviews

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a fun and easy sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with onions, marinara sauce, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese, then served on toasted brioche buns topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty and flavorful twist on a traditional sloppy joe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoon basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 brioche buns
• 1/4 cup garlic margarine or butter
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for toasting the buns later.
2. Cook the ground chicken: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
3. Crumble the chicken: As the chicken cooks, crumble it well to break it into small pieces for even cooking.
4. Add onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the pan with the ground chicken while it cooks to soften and release flavor.
5. Combine chicken and onions: Stir the mixture continuously to cook evenly while blending the flavors.
6. Add sauce and seasonings: Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper to the pan.
7. Coat the mixture: Stir well to ensure the ground chicken is completely coated in the sauce mixture.
8. Simmer with Parmesan: Lower the heat to low, then add shredded Parmesan cheese and stir. Let the mixture continue cooking on low to meld flavors.
9. Prepare buns for toasting: Arrange the brioche buns in a single layer on a baking sheet.
10. Spread garlic margarine: Generously spread the garlic margarine or butter on the cut sides of the buns.
11. Toast buns in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the buns for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
12. Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the hot sloppy joe chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
13. Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture for that classic melty cheese effect.
14. Complete the sandwich: Cover with the top bun halves.
15. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes.

Notes

• Use lean ground chicken to keep the sandwich healthier and avoid excess grease.
• Substitute regular butter if garlic margarine is not available, and add minced garlic if desired for extra garlic flavor.
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free buns to suit dietary preferences.
• Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Sloppy Joes, Ground Chicken, Sandwich, Easy Dinner, Italian-Inspired