Description
This Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, combining ground chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasoning and melted mozzarella cheese. Served on toasted sandwich buns and topped with grated Parmesan, it’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 sandwich buns or hamburger rolls
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until fragrant and translucent, approximately 5 minutes, which builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the chicken is browned all over and no longer pink inside.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Melt the cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese directly into the simmering sauce until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture that complements the tangy tomato sauce.
- Toast the buns: Place the sandwich buns under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crisp, which adds a perfect texture contrast to the juicy filling.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture generously onto each toasted bun, then sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot to enjoy an irresistible Italian-inspired sandwich.
Notes
- To keep the chicken mixture from being too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered so some moisture evaporates.
- For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce during simmering.
- Use sandwich buns or sturdy hamburger rolls to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute sandwich buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps.
