Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByVictor Layne November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tender ground chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese, these sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

A close-up view of a sandwich shows a golden brown sesame seed bun on top with a shiny and slightly textured surface. Below the bun is a layer of melted white cheese, soft and stringy, covering a thick, rich red tomato-based sauce with chunks of cooked meat mixed in, giving it a hearty and chunky texture. The sandwich sits on a simple white plate with a smooth finish, placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F to toast the buns.
Step 2: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground chicken and crumble it as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the diced yellow onion to the pan with the chicken and stir together well.
Step 4: Cook until the ground chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low and mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to continue cooking gently.
Step 7: Arrange the brioche buns on a baking sheet and spread garlic margarine or butter on each cut side.
Step 8: Toast the buns in the oven for 5 minutes or until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 9: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
Step 10: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture and top with the bun lids.
Step 11: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap brioche buns for ciabatta or hoagie rolls for a different texture.
Use fresh basil instead of pesto for a lighter herb flavor.
To make it lower fat, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of margarine on the buns.

Storage

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm. Toast fresh buns when serving for the best texture and flavor, as the buns can become soggy if stored assembled.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich with three visible layers: the top sesame seed bun is golden brown and slightly shiny, the middle layer has chunky reddish-orange meat sauce with visible bits of meat and herbs, and the lower layer is melted white cheese that looks soft and stringy, all sitting on the bottom bun which is a light golden brown, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and offers a similar flavor and texture.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Toast the buns and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for best results.