Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on classic sloppy joes, featuring lean ground chicken cooked with marinara sauce, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese, all served on toasted brioche buns with a melty mozzarella topping. This easy stovetop recipe combines Italian flavors with a comforting sandwich, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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 to prepare for toasting the brioche buns later.
- Cook the ground chicken: Place the lean ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Break the chicken apart into crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add onions: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan with the cooking chicken. Stir well to combine both ingredients as they cook.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Continue cooking until the ground chicken is fully cooked through and the onions are softened.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Pour in the marinara sauce and add the basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken and onions with the sauce.
- Simmer with Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep the mixture cooking gently on low heat to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the buns: Arrange the brioche buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic margarine evenly over the buns.
- Toast the buns: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the buns for 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the warm chicken Parmesan mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns.
- Add mozzarella and top buns: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, then cover with the top halves of the buns.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes warm and enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when adding marinara sauce.
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, but store-bought works well too.
- For a lower-fat option, choose low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- These sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and kept warm in a low oven before serving.
- Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Sloppy Joes, Italian Sloppy Joes, Ground Chicken Sandwich, Easy Weeknight Dinner
