If you’re on the hunt for a mash-up that brings together two classic comfort foods in the easiest, most satisfying way possible, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This recipe celebrates everything we love about the iconic Italian-American dish and transforms it into a saucy, cheesy, hand-held wonder that’s quick enough for busy nights and fun enough for relaxed get-togethers. From the slightly crispy toasted bun to the bubbling blanket of mozzarella, every bite delivers that savory, homey chicken Parmesan experience—minus the fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes lies in its blend of straightforward ingredients, each one delivering key flavors, textures, and even a little color. Gather these basics and taste how harmoniously they come together in this crowd-pleasing sandwich.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic for an aromatic foundation.
- Yellow onion: A finely diced onion sweetens the filling and creates a hearty base.
- Garlic: Just two cloves infuse the dish with classic Italian depth.
- Ground chicken: Lean, versatile, and perfect for soaking up all those irresistible flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This blend packs in herbs—think oregano, basil, thyme—making every bite sing.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every savory, cheesy note.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle bite to balance the richness.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade version for a saucy, tomato-bright finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings signature salty, nutty flavor that defines chicken parm.
- Hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy, they soak up the sauce but won’t fall apart with each delicious bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that ooey-gooey stretch everyone loves.
- Butter (optional): Toasting the buns with butter creates a golden edge and subtle richness.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): A sprinkle of basil at the end adds color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the onion looks tender and smells irresistible, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this builds the flavor of your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes from the very first step.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken directly to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, making sure you’re getting lots of little crumbles for the ultimate Sloppy Joe texture. Cook until the chicken is fully done and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. This lean protein forms the hearty base that’s ready to soak up all the delicious seasoning.
Step 3: Season and Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Now it’s time for the showstopper: pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes so those Italian-inspired flavors can fully mingle and thicken up slightly—this is what gives your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes their signature taste and sauciness.
Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended!)
While your chicken mixture simmers, take a moment to toast your hamburger buns. Spread a little butter on each cut side and place them face down in a skillet until golden and crispy around the edges. This quick step keeps your buns from getting soggy and adds a lovely touch of richness.
Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto each bun bottom. Top with a big pile of shredded mozzarella cheese. For that classic cheesy Chicken Parmesan effect, pop the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and melty. If you’re in a rush, simply cover with the top bun and let the hot filling do the melting. Garnish with fresh basil for color and flavor, then serve warm and watch everyone dive in!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic finishing touch for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes, adding an herby pop of green and perfume. For extra flair, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or even a dusting of red pepper flakes if you like some gentle heat.
Side Dishes
These Sloppy Joes shine next to crisp Caesar salad, crispy oven fries, or even steamed green beans for balance. If you want to keep things casual, a handful of kettle chips or a snappy pickle spear always pairs beautifully with a saucy sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making mini Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes with slider buns for parties or game days. For a lower-carb twist, serve the filling on toasted garlic bread halves or even atop roasted eggplant rounds. No matter the format, that classic flavor combo still steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover filling, simply spoon it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and fillings separate for the freshest result when reheating.
Freezing
The chicken mixture freezes like a dream! Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, homemade Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes fix anytime.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or marinara if it seems thick. For a microwave option, cover and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Then build your sandwiches with fresh buns and cheese for maximum melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes and delivers similar flavor and texture. Just swap pound for pound and cook as directed.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Pick your favorite here—store-bought keeps things quick, but homemade marinara will give you an extra boost of freshness. Either way, go for a sauce you love since it’s a star component.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
All you need is your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns, and you’re set! Double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well for easy, allergy-friendly Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes.
Can I prep Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes in advance?
You sure can: make the filling up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and just reheat before assembling. Toast the buns and melt the cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What other cheeses work in place of mozzarella?
If you want to mix it up, provolone is a great melty option, or try a blend of cheeses for extra richness. Avoid super hard cheeses—they won’t melt as enticingly for your Sloppy Joes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving comfort food, something new for your family dinner rotation, or just want a fun way to shake up the weeknight routine, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes always deliver. Give them a try and savor this delicious twist—you might never go back to the regular version!
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a sloppy joe. Ground chicken is seasoned with Italian spices, simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served on toasted buns for a delicious twist on a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, add garlic, cook ground chicken, season with spices, stir in marinara and Parmesan, simmer.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Toast buns, spoon chicken mixture onto bottom buns, top with mozzarella, melt cheese under broiler, garnish with basil.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- For a crispier bun, toast with butter in a skillet.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
