If you crave comfort food with a twist, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes will become your new obsession. Imagine all the saucy, cheesy, Italian-inspired flavors of classic chicken parmesan, sandwiched between toasty buns with the irresistible hands-on fun of a sloppy joe. This recipe blends tender ground chicken, luscious marinara, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s fast, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Nobody will be able to resist the delicious messiness!

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role. From the ground chicken to the zesty marinara and the two melty cheeses, every component brings flavor, texture, and richness to the party. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips for how each ingredient shines in this dish.

Ground Chicken: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all the Italian flavors in this hearty filling.
Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the onions to sweet, golden perfection.
Yellow Onion (finely diced): Gives the sloppy joes a savory depth and subtle sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of classic Italian aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Marinara Sauce: The saucy backbone of the recipe; use your favorite jarred or homemade for best results.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with that signature Italian flair.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds just the right hint of heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the best flavors in the filling.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty, this cheese adds depth and classic parmesan character.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible stretch and gooey finish that makes every bite heavenly.
Hamburger Buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that saucy goodness—choose your favorites!
Butter (optional, for toasting buns): Adds a golden, flavorful crunch to the buns if you have a few extra minutes.
Chopped Fresh Basil (optional): A final pop of color and freshness that makes the sandwiches extra special.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to release its aroma without burning. This savory base sets the stage for all the Italian flavors to come.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken straight into the skillet. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring no big clumps remain. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and beautifully browned. This step locks in the moisture and gives your sloppy joes that hearty texture.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things spicy, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, making the filling rich and cohesive.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses

Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the chicken mixture. Let it cook for about a minute to turn everything creamy and savory. The Parmesan adds that signature tang and depth that sets these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes apart.

Step 5: Toast the Buns (Optional, but Worth It!)

If you’re after a little extra crunch, melt butter in a clean skillet and toast your hamburger buns until golden brown. This quick step adds a layer of flavor and helps keep your buns from getting soggy once you pile on the filling.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of the hot chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a big handful of shredded mozzarella, letting it melt from the heat of the filling. Cap it with the top bun, shower with fresh basil if you like, and serve immediately—preferably with plenty of napkins!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped fresh basil not only looks gorgeous but adds a fragrant, peppery zing that brightens up the rich filling. You can also try a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a little sweet tang. Feel free to get creative and tailor the toppings to your family’s taste!

Side Dishes

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with a side of crispy baked fries, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables. For a classic comfort pairing, serve with potato chips or coleslaw—the crunch is a perfect contrast to the saucy filling. Don’t forget a simple Caesar salad for that Italian-inspired touch!

Creative Ways to Present

You can go beyond the bun! Try serving the filling over toasted garlic bread, in slider rolls for parties, or even spooned onto baked potatoes for a cozy twist. For a lower-carb option, pile the chicken mixture into lettuce wraps or roasted bell pepper halves. However you serve them, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, allow the chicken mixture to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate until you’re ready to reheat and assemble, so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes filling freezes beautifully! Simply cool the cooked mixture completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese may separate a bit, but a good stir will bring it right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until steaming. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before serving on fresh buns.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey and even ground beef both work well in this recipe. Each brings its own flavor and richness, so feel free to use what you have on hand or prefer.

How can I make these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free version. Double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’re all set!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully prepare the chicken mixture a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble the sandwiches just before serving for maximum freshness.

What’s the best way to melt the mozzarella cheese on top?

If you want extra-melty, bubbly cheese, assemble the sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so the cheese gets gooey without burning!

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes, you can swap in provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of saucy chicken, melty cheese, and toasty buns that makes Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes truly irresistible. Whether you make them for a weeknight dinner or your next game day gathering, this recipe is sure to bring big smiles and satisfied appetites. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite at your table!

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious twist on classic sloppy joes featuring ground chicken simmered in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, topped with melted mozzarella on toasted hamburger buns. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese and Buns

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)

Garnish

Chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
Toast Buns (Optional): If desired, toast the hamburger buns in a skillet with butter until golden brown.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, then top each with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the top buns over the cheese.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve the sandwiches hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if preferred.
For extra melty cheese, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
Use your favorite marinara sauce or homemade sauce for added flavor customization.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired