Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you’re searching for cozy comfort with an Italian-American twist, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the saucy, mozzarella-melty magic of classic chicken Parm tucked into a pillowy, golden-toasted brioche bun. This fun mashup transforms familiar pantry staples into a weeknight meal that’s delightfully messy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever made Sloppy Joes any other way!

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes is refreshingly simple, but each component shines. Every piece brings its own charm—savory depth, creamy stretch, herbal punch, or buttery crunch—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Lean ground chicken: This is our protein base, keeping things juicy without feeling heavy like beef or pork sometimes can.
  • Diced yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a little texture, building the savory backbone of the filling.
  • Marinara sauce: Brings vibrant tomato flavor and that signature Italian taste—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
  • Basil pesto: Just a couple spoonfuls infuse herby richness that makes these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes truly pop.
  • Salt & pepper: Everyday seasoning that’s essential for rounding out all the flavors.
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and utterly irresistible—this is what gives it the real Chicken Parm character.
  • Brioche buns: These plush buns upgrade the whole experience with their slight sweetness and pillowy crumb.
  • Garlic margarine or butter: Spreading this on the buns delivers that classic garlic bread vibe and golden crunch.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to a gooey, stretchy finish—nothing beats that mozzarella pull!

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Onion

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400F. Grab a large sauté pan and set it over medium-high heat. Add in the ground chicken, breaking it up thoroughly as it cooks—think rustic crumbles, not big hunks. After a minute or two, sprinkle in the diced onions. Stir together and keep cooking, letting the onions soften and the chicken turn golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Simmer in Sauce

Now the magic happens: add your marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper right into the pan. Stir well so every bit of chicken gets coated in that tomato-and-herb goodness. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes—you’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully while the flavors meld.

Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese

With the heat on low, sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan. Stir it smoothly into the mixture, letting it melt and enrich everything. This step is the secret behind that classic Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes flavor—cheesy, creamy, and deeply savory.

Step 4: Toast the Brioche Buns

While your filling stays warm and cozy on the stove, line a baking sheet with your brioche buns (tops and bottoms open-faced). Smear each cut side with your garlic butter or margarine for that signature garlicky crunch. Pop them in the preheated oven and toast for about 5 minutes, just until golden at the edges.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish with Mozzarella

Pile a generous scoop of the saucy chicken mixture onto each bottom bun. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese liberally over the top, then crown with the top half of the bun. The warmth of the filling will start to melt the cheese, making every bite as gooey as you’re dreaming of.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Give them an extra flourish with freshly torn basil leaves or a sprinkling of extra Parmesan. If you like a touch of color and bite, a few flecks of red pepper flakes deliver a gentle kick that plays perfectly with the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes with simple sides for a truly crowd-pleasing meal. A crisp green salad with tangy Italian dressing, seasoned baked fries, or even a bowl of garlicky roasted vegetables make a great supporting cast. For ultimate Italian comfort, serve with a few crunchy breadsticks!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes! Pile the saucy filling onto slider buns for a bite-sized party appetizer, spoon it over baked potatoes for a cozy dinner twist, or use toasted baguette slices as a base for an open-faced version that’s perfect for lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra filling, let it cool fully before sealing it in an airtight container. The filling will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to three days, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes filling freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled mixture into freezer bags or containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use it again.

Reheating

To bring the filling back to steamy, saucy life, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine—cover with a damp paper towel to retain that moisture. Toast fresh buns and assemble with mozzarella for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an easy substitute if that’s what you have on hand; it’ll result in a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Just keep an eye on the seasoning and moisture levels, as ground turkey is sometimes a touch leaner.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

Use your favorite marinara—homemade or store-bought, classic or with roasted garlic and herbs. Since the sauce is such a big part of Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes, choose one you’d gladly eat by the spoonful!

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely—just use gluten free buns or bread of your choice, and double check that your pesto, marinara, and seasonings are all gluten free. The filling itself is naturally gluten free, making these Sloppy Joes easy to adapt.

Is there a dairy free option?

Yes! There are wonderful dairy free Parmesan and mozzarella-style shreds available now. Swap margarine for butter, and choose your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives for that same creamy goodness.

Can I prep Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes ahead for a party?

They’re ideal for advance prep—just make the filling as instructed, keep it warm in a slow cooker or on the stove, and toast buns before serving. Let guests build their own for a fun, interactive meal!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a saucy, cheesy sandwich that brings people together, and these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are no exception. They’re equal parts nostalgic and new, irresistibly satisfying, and so simple to pull off any night of the week. Gather your family or friends, pile these high, and get ready to fall in love with a delicious twist on two classic favorites!

Print

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a sloppy joe. This easy and delicious recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sauteing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoon basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For Serving:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F for toasting the buns.
  2. Dump the ground chicken into a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chicken well as it cooks.

  3. Add the diced onions to the pan with the ground chicken while it’s cooking. Stir the ground chicken and diced onions together well.
  4. Once the ground chicken is completely cooked, add the marinara, basil pesto, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir until the ground chicken is completely coated in the sauce.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded Parmesan to the pan. Stir well again and leave the mixture to continue cooking over low heat while you prepare the buns.
  6. Lay the brioche buns in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spread the garlic margarine on the buns.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the buns for 5 minutes.
  8. Once the buns are toasted, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture and then cover with the top buns.
  9. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1270mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joes Recipe, Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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