Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Craving comfort food with a cheesy Italian twist? These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the saucy, savory goodness of classic Sloppy Joes with the melty cheese and herbed flavor of Chicken Parmesan. They’re juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – On the table in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
All-in-One Flavor – Juicy chicken, marinara, and melted cheese in every bite.
Family-Friendly – A meal even the pickiest eaters will love.
No Frying Required – All the Chicken Parm flavor without the mess.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Mixture:

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

For Assembling the Sandwiches:

• 6 hamburger buns or brioche rolls
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Knife & cutting board
• Baking sheet (for melting cheese, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
4. Add ground chicken to the skillet.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and lightly browned.

Step 3: Add Sauce & Simmer
7. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
8. Pour in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns
10. While the filling simmers, melt butter in a separate pan or on a griddle.
11. Toast buns cut side down until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
12. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each bottom bun.
13. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
14. If you want the cheese melted, place the assembled bottoms under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
15. Add top buns and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Use Brioche Buns – They’re soft, slightly sweet, and hold up well to saucy fillings.
Don’t Skip the Toasting – Toasted buns prevent sogginess and add texture.
Add Extra Cheese – For ultimate comfort food vibes, mix some mozzarella into the filling too.
Make it Spicy – A dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste adds a flavorful kick.
Customize It – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
With Sides – Serve with fries, potato wedges, or a simple green salad.
With Soup – Pair with tomato basil soup for a cozy combo.
Kid-Friendly – Skip the red pepper flakes and serve with fruit or veggie sticks.
Make It a Meal – Add a side of garlic knots or pasta salad for a full Italian-inspired spread.
Slider Style – Use dinner rolls and make mini versions for parties or potlucks.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing:

• The chicken mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• If cheese is already added, reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and tastes just as delicious.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the chicken.

3. What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Go for a thick, flavorful one—either homemade or a good-quality store-bought version.

4. Can I make this low-carb?
Skip the bun and serve the mixture over a grilled portobello mushroom or zucchini noodles.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are everything you love about Chicken Parm—with way less effort and way more sandwich satisfaction. Saucy, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavor, they’re a fun and flavorful spin on a classic comfort food that the whole family will devour.
So grab a skillet, toast those buns, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s easy, cheesy, and downright delicious.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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