Juicy Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Family Favorite

Chicken parmesan sloppy joes redefine classic comfort food into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that bridges familiar flavors with unexpected excitement.

This hearty dish combines the beloved elements of two iconic American meals into one irresistible creation.

Traditional recipes often feel predictable, but these sloppy joes break all the standard rules with their bold and innovative approach.

Rich, cheesy textures merge with zesty marinara sauce, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly between soft buns, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

The fusion concept elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, making dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe, turning simple components into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Are a Fun Twist on a Classic

• Flavor Fusion Frenzy: Experience an exciting twist on classic sloppy joes by combining the rich marinara sauce, zesty basil pesto, and melty cheeses that create a mouthwatering Italian-American comfort food explosion.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in the irresistible combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses that melt perfectly over the savory ground chicken, creating a gooey, decadent topping that elevates the entire sandwich.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a playful take on traditional chicken parmesan that brings excitement to the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the sloppy joes, best when fresh and low fat.
• Onions: Adds sweet and savory depth to the meat mixture, preferably yellow or white onions for classic flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides moisture and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Basil Pesto: Adds herbaceous and rich flavor with a traditional Italian touch.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meat mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth when stirred into the warm meat mixture.

• Brioche Buns: Rich and buttery bread that offers a soft, luxurious base for the sloppy joes.
• Garlic Margarine: Adds a savory, aromatic layer when spread and toasted on the buns.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey and creamy finish to the sandwich.

Cooking Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes the Right Way

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F for toasting brioche buns.

Step 2: Cook The Ground Chicken

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add ground chicken. Break the chicken into small crumbles while cooking.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables

Incorporate diced onions into the pan with ground chicken, stirring thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Marinara sauce
• Basil pesto
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Enhance With Cheese

Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for additional flavor development.

Step 6: Prepare Bun Base

Spread garlic margarine evenly across brioche buns. Place them on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Toast Bun Surfaces

Place baking sheet in preheated oven and toast buns for 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 8: Assemble Sloppy Joes

Spoon chicken mixture onto bottom buns. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with top bun.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Transfer assembled Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes to serving plates and enjoy while warm.

Tips for Saucy, Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

• Boost Meat Flavor: Sauté onions until golden brown to enhance the ground chicken's depth and richness.
• Prevent Soggy Buns: Toast brioche buns briefly to create a crispy barrier that stops the sloppy joe mixture from making bread mushy.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle mozzarella on hot chicken mixture right before assembling to ensure perfect, gooey cheese coverage.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels during cooking to develop a more complex flavor profile.
• Quick Preparation Hack: Use pre-shredded Parmesan and mozzarella to cut down on meal preparation time without sacrificing taste.

Leftover Storage Guide for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken mixture and buns separately into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Chicken: Warm ground chicken mixture in microwave or skillet, stirring occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add extra marinara sauce if mixture seems dry.
• Bun Preparation: Toast fresh brioche buns or reheat previously toasted buns in oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Assemble sandwich immediately after reheating ingredients to maintain optimal texture.

Side Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

• Sip and Savor Italian Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, savory chicken parmesan sloppy joes with a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese, whose bright acidity cuts through the cheesy, saucy flavors and enhances the dish's Italian-inspired profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Match the hearty sandwich with an amber ale or hoppy pale ale, which brings out the robust marinara and pesto notes while balancing the melted cheese and tender ground chicken.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate and provides a lighter counterpoint to the rich, cheesy sloppy joe.
• Cool Beverage Refresher: Pair with a sparkling Italian soda or chilled iced tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing break between bites of the indulgent sandwich.

Sloppy Joe Variations Using Chicken Parmesan Flavor

• Veggie Fusion Sloppy Joes: Replace ground chicken with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version, adding extra bell peppers and zucchini for more nutrition and texture.
• Mediterranean Magic Joes: Swap marinara sauce with tzatziki, use ground lamb instead of chicken, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Sloppy Joes: Incorporate diced green chiles, replace basil pesto with chipotle sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Italian Garden Joes: Mix in roasted garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the Italian-inspired elements, using whole wheat buns for added nutrition.

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken parmesan sloppy joes combine Italian-American comfort classics into one delightful sandwich. Melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and crispy chicken create a messy yet irresistible meal that quickly becomes a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground chicken

Vegetables and Sauce:

• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Cheese and Bread:

• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 brioche buns
• ¼ cup garlic margarine or butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a crisp 400°F, preparing for golden bun transformation.
2. Place ground chicken into a spacious skillet, heating over medium-high temperature while gently fragmenting the meat during cooking.
3. Introduce diced onions to the sizzling chicken, stirring thoroughly to integrate flavors and ensure even distribution.
4. After chicken reaches complete doneness, incorporate marinara sauce, fragrant basil pesto, delicate salt, and zesty pepper into the mixture.
5. Lower the temperature to a gentle simmer, folding in rich, granulated Parmesan cheese and allowing ingredients to meld together.
6. Apply a luxurious layer of garlic-infused margarine across tender brioche buns, arranging them strategically on a baking sheet.
7. Slide the prepared baking sheet into the preheated oven, transforming buns into crisp, golden vessels through a precise 5-minute toasting ritual.
8. Construct the ultimate sloppy joe by generously spooning the seasoned chicken mixture onto bottom bun halves.
9. Crown each creation with molten mozzarella cheese, completing the masterpiece by positioning the top bun with precision.

Notes

• Quickly toast brioche buns before assembling to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Use lean ground chicken for a healthier twist on traditional sloppy joes while maintaining rich flavor.
• Add basil pesto to the marinara sauce for an unexpected herbal depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Ensure ground chicken is fully cooked and crumbled to create a uniform, delicious filling.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan and mozzarella cheese generously for a melty, indulgent finish.
• Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the warmth and crispy toasted bun texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1095 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg