Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, blending tender ground chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for toasting the buns.
- Step 2: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground chicken. Crumble it well as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Step 3: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan and stir together with the chicken. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and onions are softened.
- Step 4: Pour in the marinara sauce and basil pesto, then season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken mixture evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently while preparing the buns.
- Step 6: Arrange the brioche buns on a baking sheet and spread garlic margarine evenly on the cut sides.
- Step 7: Toast the buns in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Step 8: Spoon the chicken Parmesan mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then cover with the bun tops.
- Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
- Use turkey or lean ground beef as an alternative to ground chicken if preferred.
- Try using ciabatta rolls instead of brioche buns for a different texture.
- Fresh basil leaves on top before serving add a fragrant, fresh touch.
Storage
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess. To reheat, warm the filling on the stove over low heat and toast the buns again briefly in the oven before assembling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Toast the buns and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to use gluten-free buns to make the entire dish gluten-free.
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the comforting flavors of classic chicken parmesan with the casual, easy-to-eat format of sloppy joes. Ground lean chicken is cooked with onions, simmered in a rich marinara and basil pesto sauce, then topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on toasted brioche buns. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional sloppy joes, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Buns and Topping
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/4 cup garlic margarine or butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for toasting the buns.
- Cook the ground chicken: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add onions: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan with the ground chicken and stir together, cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and onions are softened.
- Incorporate marinara and pesto: Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the marinara sauce and basil pesto along with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and meld into the sauce. Keep the mixture warm over low heat.
- Prepare the buns: Arrange the brioche buns in a single layer on a baking sheet, then spread the garlic margarine evenly on the cut sides of the buns.
- Toast the buns: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the buns for 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Assemble the sloppy joes: Spoon the warm chicken parmesan mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Finish and serve: Cover with the top halves of the buns, serve immediately while hot and enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic sloppy joe.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option, but ground turkey or beef can be substituted if preferred.
- If basil pesto is not available, you can substitute with fresh chopped basil or skip it altogether.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground chicken with lentils or meatless ground crumbles, and use vegetarian cheese.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken parmesan sloppy joes, ground chicken recipe, sloppy joes, easy dinner recipes, chicken sandwiches, marinara sauce recipe
