Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the gooey, cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmesan with the messy joy of a Sloppy Joe, you’re in for a treat! Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s are everything you love about classic comfort food—juicy, saucy, cheesy, utterly craveable—and they come together in just 25 minutes. This is dinner bliss on a bun!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s brings its own flair—richness, texture, or zest—to this simple recipe. Let’s take a quick look at why every component matters, making your sandwiches extra special!

• Olive oil: Just a splash gets the onions started and gives everything a gorgeous, savory base.
• White onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma, perfectly melting into the filling.
• Ground chicken: Juicy, lean, and ideal for soaking up all the Italian-inspired seasonings.
• Shredded zucchini: Keeps the mix moist and sneaks in a burst of color and freshness.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs ties all the flavors together and brings that unmistakable Chicken Parm vibe.
• Marinara sauce: The soul of the dish, giving it bold tomato flavor and a saucy, comforting texture.
• Shredded Italian cheese: Melty, gooey, and slightly sharp, this cheese mix finishes everything with a decadent pull.
• Unsalted butter: Used to toast the breadcrumbs until golden and delightfully crisp.
• Breadcrumbs: For that essential Chicken Parmesan crunch in every bite.
• Brioche buns: Rich and softly sweet, they hold all that saucy, cheesy filling without falling apart.

Variations

You can easily make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s your own—switch out flavors, sneak in extra veggies, or adapt for dietary needs. Here are some tried-and-true variations to spark your culinary creativity:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and breadcrumbs so everyone at your table can dig in with gusto.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara, or top with sliced pickled peppers for some extra heat.
• Veggie Swap: Sub shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even baby spinach for some or all of the zucchini, depending on what you have on hand.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Double up on the cheese or use fresh mozzarella slices for a richer, melty bite.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This cozy base gives the whole mixture sweet, savory depth!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken directly to the skillet with the onion. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until everything is browned and no longer pink. Let those little bits pick up flavor from the pan for the best texture and taste.

Step 3: Stir in Veggies & Seasoning

Sprinkle in the shredded zucchini and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, just until the zucchini starts to soften. This not only adds an irresistible pop of color but keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.

Step 4: Simmer with Marinara

Pour in your favorite marinara and stir everything together. Let it bubble gently for another 5 minutes, giving the chicken and veggies time to become extra luscious and saucy.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle your Italian cheese blend over the top, and cover the skillet. In about 4-5 minutes, the cheese will melt into gooey perfection. (If you’re using an oven-proof skillet, slip it under the broiler for extra bubbly, golden cheese!)

Step 6: Make the Buttered Breadcrumbs

While your filling cooks, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir to coat, seasoning lightly with salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until they’re toasted and fragrant, then set aside for topping.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Toast your Brioche buns for best flavor and a little crunch. Pile on the saucy chicken mixture, finish with a generous sprinkle of buttered breadcrumbs, and serve hot. There you have it—Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s ready to wow the crowd!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s

Garnishes

Give your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s the finishing touch with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil, a pinch of grated parmesan, and a final twist of cracked black pepper. Each garnish not only brightens the flavors but makes your sandwiches look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these sandwiches with crisp sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or roasted broccoli for a balanced, colorful plate. For that classic comfort food vibe, potato chips or Caesar salad are always welcome company, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s “slider style” on mini buns for parties and potlucks, or get playful and pile the filling over roasted spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist. For a fun family dinner, let everyone build their own sandwich with a toppings bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted breadcrumbs and buns separate for the freshest texture when you’re ready to reheat and enjoy again.

Freezing

The chicken filling (without the cheese and breadcrumbs) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat before adding cheese, melting, and assembling your sandwiches fresh.

Reheating

Warm the chicken filling gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of marinara if it looks dry. For maximum crunch, toast your buns and re-toast the breadcrumbs just before topping and serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightfully quick meal that feels comforting and just a little bit special, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe’s belong at the top of your list. Give them a try this week—you’ll love how fast they disappear, and how easy they are to make again and again!

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