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Picture a sloppy joe, but with all the yummy flavors of chicken parmesan packed inside. These sandwiches are fun, cheesy, and come together in less than thirty minutes. They’re great for those hectic weeknights or nights when you want something a bit different. Both kids and adults in our family love them, transforming a familiar comfort food into an exciting, tasty meal.
I first whipped these up after my kids asked for them following a big game, and now they’re a regular on our menu, appearing at least a couple of times a month. I really love how they feel a bit indulgent but are super easy to whip together.
Ingredients
- Lean ground chicken: It keeps the meal tender and is lighter than using beef. For the best texture, pick fresh ground chicken.
- Diced yellow onion: It enhances sweetness and depth in the overall mix. Look for firm onions with tight skins.
- Marinara sauce: A fast way to get that rich tomato taste. Use a great jarred kind or homemade for a stronger flavor.
- Basil pesto: It brings a burst of herbal flavor and savory richness. Aim for a pesto with real basil and high-quality olive oil when you can.
- Salt and pepper: These are essential for letting all the flavors shine. Freshly ground pepper is definitely a worthwhile touch.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Gives that salty and nutty flavor kick. Freshly grated from the block melts the best.
- Brioche buns: They’re soft and soak up the saucy chicken beautifully. Go for freshly baked buns if possible.
- Garlic margarine or butter: It adds a savory aroma and flavor to the buns. Mixing minced garlic into butter gives an extra taste boost.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey layer on top of the chicken. Whole milk mozzarella is great for that stretchy quality.
Instructions
- Get the Chicken Ready:
- Start by warming a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your ground chicken and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Toss in the diced onions right from the start so they can soften and sweeten as the meat browns. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, and the onions turn translucent, which usually takes around seven to ten minutes.
- Mix in the Sauce and Spices:
- Turn down the heat a notch then add the marinara sauce, basil pesto, along with salt and pepper. Stir until each piece of chicken is coated with the tomato-basil mix. The pesto will melt into the sauce and really kick up the flavor. Let it simmer gently for about two minutes to let everything blend.
- Add the Parmesan:
- Drop the heat to low and sprinkle in the Parmesan. Keep stirring so the cheese melts nicely into the sauce, making it thick and creamy. The mixture should take on a glossy look.
- Toast the Buns:
- Place the brioche buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Generously spread garlic butter on both the top and bottom halves. Put the sheet in an oven that’s preheated to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Toast them for about five minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Put it All Together and Melt the Cheese:
- Load a generous scoop of the chicken mix onto the bottom half of each bun. Sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella on top so it can melt from the chicken’s warmth. Cap each sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately for the ultimate cheese pull.
This dish is always the first to go at our family get-togethers, and it’s easy to see why. I can’t forget the time my neighbor tried these at a potluck and texted me the very next day asking for the details. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles to everyone’s faces around the dinner table.
Storage Guidelines
Be sure to let the leftover chicken mixture cool completely before storing it. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for a max of three days. Don’t store the assembled sandwiches, or the buns might get soggy. When it’s time to reheat, just give the mix a microwave and toast fresh buns right before serving.
Substitutions for Ingredients
You can swap out ground turkey for chicken if that’s what you have. If you want dairy-free, go for a dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese. Shredding your own mozzarella works, or you can use provolone for a different flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.
Suggestions for Serving
Pair these with a fresh green salad or a classic Caesar for a nice balance. Oven fries are always a crowd-pleaser on the side. You can even make them slider-sized for party snacks. Try them open-faced under the broiler for those extra crispy, cheesy tops.
Background on the Dish
Sloppy joes are a staple in American diners, usually made with beef. This version offers an Italian twist with tomato, basil, and cheese. It takes comfort food traditions and gives them a fresh and nostalgic spin.
Seasonal Adjustments
Add roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach for some summer veggies. In the winter, try sun-dried tomato pesto for a different taste. During peak season, top it off with slices of heirloom tomatoes. Toss in fresh basil or oregano during a generous harvest from your garden.
Success Stories
A neighbor tried these at a potluck and couldn’t wait to ask for the recipe the following day. We once served them at a family birthday dinner, and everyone—kids and grandparents alike—left satisfied and happy.
Freezer Meal Tips
Make the chicken mixture as directed. Let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Toast fresh buns and assemble as you normally would. The mixture stays flavorful and fresh, even after freezing.
Try these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes for a fun twist on a classic favorite. They’re messy, filling, and sure to become a regular dinner option in your home.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Sure, ground turkey is a great choice and has a similar taste and texture to chicken.
- → What can I use instead of brioche buns?
Soft rolls, sandwich buns, or ciabatta also make for a tasty, sturdy base for the filling.
- → Can the mixture be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken mix beforehand and just reheat it before putting the sandwiches together for a quick meal.
- → Is there a substitute for basil pesto?
You might try fresh chopped basil mixed with a bit of olive oil, or just leave the pesto out if you want.
- → How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Make sure to toast the buns well and assemble them right before serving to keep everything nice and crunchy.