Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Love the flavors of Chicken Parmesan but want something easy, cheesy, and fun? These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are the perfect mashup of comfort food classics. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a savory tomato sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella and served on toasted buns for a weeknight dinner everyone will crave. They’re quick, family-friendly, and ridiculously delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights
One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet
Family Favorite – Cheesy, saucy, and kid-approved
All the Flavor of Chicken Parmesan – Without the breading and frying
Customizable – Add veggies or switch up the cheese to make it your own

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 burger buns (toasted)
2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Toaster or skillet for buns

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink

Step 2: Make the Sauce
5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld
7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until well combined

Step 3: Add the Cheese
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken mixture
9. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey

Step 4: Toast the Buns
10. While the cheese is melting, butter the insides of your burger buns
11. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
12. Spoon generous portions of the cheesy chicken mixture onto each toasted bun
13. Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired
14. Serve hot with a side of chips, salad, or roasted veggies

Tips for Success
Use Quality Marinara – A good sauce makes all the difference in flavor
Toast Those Buns – It adds texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy
Don’t Skip the Parmesan – It brings that classic Chicken Parm flavor
Double the Recipe – These make great leftovers and reheat well
Add a Crunch – A slice of toasted garlic bread on top makes a fun twist

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan Fries – Classic combo with a cheesy twist
Simple Caesar Salad – Light and fresh alongside the hearty joes
Roasted Broccoli – Adds color, crunch, and nutrients
Pickles or Slaw – A tangy side cuts through the richness perfectly

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate the chicken mixture (without buns) in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Store buns separately to keep them fresh

Freezing:
Let the chicken mixture cool completely
Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Reheating:
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally
Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes, ground turkey works great and has a similar texture and flavor
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Swap the chicken for lentils or plant-based ground meat and use veggie marinara
3. What’s the best bun for this recipe?
   Brioche or ciabatta rolls hold up well and add a nice flavor, but any sandwich bun will do
4. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
   Absolutely—diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Totally! It’s cheesy, flavorful, and easy to eat, making it a hit with kids and adults alike

Final Thoughts
These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mashup of two comfort food icons. Packed with flavor, ready in no time, and loved by all ages, they make weeknight dinners feel extra special without the extra work.
Try them once, and they’re bound to become a regular on your meal rotation. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your creations online—I’d love to see your spin on it!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 680mg

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