Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could combine the gooey, melty comfort of classic chicken parmesan with the nostalgic, saucy fun of a sloppy joe, you’re in for a treat! Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner delivers all the best flavors in one easy, family-friendly sandwich—crispy toasted buns, succulent ground chicken simmered in marinara, and a generous blanket of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. This is the kind of meal that turns weeknights into something worth celebrating, and it’s so simple you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner is in its simplicity! Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring just the right punch of flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and vibrant color to your plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each one:
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps everything cook up golden and delicious.
- Ground chicken: The star of our show—lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all those Italian flavors.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.
- Garlic: No Italian-inspired dish is complete without that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that delivers classic, crave-worthy flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and making each ingredient shine.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of gentle heat and complexity.
- Marinara sauce: Brings that signature tangy-sweet tomato flavor and luscious sauciness.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives the filling its signature savory, nutty richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that ooey-gooey melted cheese experience everyone loves.
- Sandwich buns: Toasted to perfection, they hold up to all the saucy goodness.
- Fresh basil (optional): A pop of color and freshness that makes every bite sing.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula. You want to keep things moving until the chicken is no longer pink and has started to get a little golden on the edges. This is where the flavor starts to build!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for a couple minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and your kitchen smells like an Italian trattoria. This step adds that irresistible aroma and a subtle sweetness to the mix.
Step 3: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the herbs and spices coat every morsel of chicken. This is your chance to build in those classic, savory Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner flavors!
Step 4: Simmer with Marinara
Pour in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and the sauce to thicken just a bit. You want it saucy but not soupy so it sits perfectly on your buns.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. This step brings that signature cheesy tang and makes the filling extra creamy and rich.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon the hot chicken mixture onto your toasted buns. Pile it generously—this is not the time to skimp! Sprinkle a big handful of shredded mozzarella over each sandwich, then briefly cover the pan with a lid just until the cheese melts into oozy perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner with a shower of freshly chopped basil if you like. Serve right away while everything is hot and melty!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner

Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top takes these sandwiches from comforting to totally crave-worthy. For a little extra color, try a few shreds of arugula or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each garnish brings another layer of flavor and makes the sandwiches look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner pairs beautifully with classic sides like crisp garlic fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. If you want to keep things Italian-inspired, serve with Caesar salad or a bowl of minestrone soup for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Try serving the sloppy joe filling over crusty garlic bread for an open-faced twist, or use slider buns for a party-ready appetizer. You can even scoop the mixture onto baked potatoes or stuff it into hollowed bell peppers for a lower-carb option—Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner is more versatile than you think!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer the chicken mixture (without buns) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes lunch the next day a breeze—just reheat and assemble!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another round of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. Spoon onto fresh toasted buns and top with mozzarella and basil—good as new!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It keeps things lean and juicy, and it soaks up all those Italian flavors just as beautifully.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
For perfectly toasty buns, brush them lightly with olive oil or butter and place them face-down in a hot skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat and assemble your sandwiches when ready to eat. The flavors get even better as they mingle!
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can easily swap the ground chicken for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian spin. Just follow the same steps and adjust seasoning as needed.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for that signature stretch, but provolone or fontina also melt beautifully. If you love extra cheese, add a bit of both for ultimate gooey goodness!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on comfort food, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner is here to win your heart (and your dinner table). Give it a try and watch everyone light up with the very first bite—who knows, this might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite!
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Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes : Delicious Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring ground chicken cooked with Italian seasonings, marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on toasted sandwich buns. This easy-to-make dinner combines the savory goodness of chicken parm with the casual fun of sloppy joes, perfect for a family meal or a quick dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the mixture: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to evenly coat the chicken and aromatics.
- Add marinara sauce and simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture until well combined, adding a rich, savory flavor and slightly thickening the mixture.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the toasted sandwich buns, distributing evenly among the four.
- Top with mozzarella and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken on each bun, then cover the skillet with a lid briefly or place under a broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a crispy cheese topping, place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the mozzarella is browned and bubbly.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic fries to round out the meal.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg