Sometimes, your cravings call for comfort food that’s both familiar and a little out of the box. Enter Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes! This recipe is a mash-up of two beloved classics: the zesty flavors of chicken parmesan and the messy, fun-to-eat appeal of sloppy joes. It’s everything you love about cheesy, saucy chicken in a handheld form. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Italian-inspired Sloppy Joes (serves 4-6):
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4-6 sandwich buns or brioche rolls (toasted if desired)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 2: Make It Saucy
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like heat), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will thicken the filling slightly and add extra savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon a generous portion of the chicken parmesan mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of the filling while it’s still hot, so it melts slightly. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor if desired. Place the top bun on and press gently.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these Sloppy Joes immediately with a side of your choice. Crispy baked fries, a refreshing salad, or even roasted veggies pair beautifully with this dish. Grab a few napkins because things are about to get messy—in the best way possible!
Tips for Customizing Your Recipe
- Make it Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, amp it up with extra crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Try Ground Turkey or Plant-Based Options: Swap out the ground chicken for turkey or plant-based ground crumbles for a different take.
- Garlic Bread Buns: Butter and toast the sandwich rolls with garlic powder and parsley to add an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
- Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when cooking the chicken for a more nutrient-packed version.
- Cheese Fanatic Option: Broil the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes so the mozzarella gets golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are everything you want in a meal: bold flavors, melty cheese, and the kind of heartwarming taste that feels like a hug on a plate. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and adaptable to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Whip up a batch tonight and see for yourself why this fun fusion dish is bound to become a favorite! If you try this recipe, snap a picture and tag us on social media or leave a comment below about how it turned out. We’d love to hear about your experience (and drool over your food photos).
Happy cooking! 🍴
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