Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on classic sloppy joes, featuring ground chicken cooked with onions, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. The mixture is cooked until saucy and “sloppy,” then topped with melted mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, and crispy toasted panko breadcrumbs for texture, all served on toasted brioche buns.
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the familiar comfort of sloppy joes with bright Italian flavors and cheesy goodness, plus the crunch of toasted panko adds an exciting texture contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1½ cups tomato sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella chunks
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Parsley for garnish
- 4 brioche buns, toasted
Instructions
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Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and diced onions, breaking up the chicken into chunks about the size of small grapes. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
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Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking 5-6 minutes until the sauce reduces and the mixture becomes sloppy.
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In a separate small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add panko and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden toasted. Remove and place in a bowl to cool.
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Remove the skillet with chicken mixture from heat, top with mozzarella chunks to melt slightly.
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Toast brioche buns. Spoon chicken mixture onto the buns, sprinkle shaved Parmesan and toasted panko on top.
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Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
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Avoid over-breaking the chicken to keep nice chunks for texture.
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Toast panko just until golden for a great crunch without burning.
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Use good quality tomato sauce and paste for best flavor.
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Toast buns lightly for warmth and slight crispness.
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Use fresh parsley to brighten flavor at serving.
Delicious Variations
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Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
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Use spicy Italian seasoning or add red pepper flakes for heat.
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Substitute mozzarella chunks with shredded cheese.
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Serve with garlic butter toasted buns for richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, turkey is a leaner alternative with similar results.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Are these sandwiches kid-friendly?
Yes, mild flavors and familiar texture make them great for kids.
Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes, freeze before baking; thaw and reheat before serving.
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious twist on classic sloppy joes with ground chicken cooked in tomato sauce and paste with Italian seasoning, topped with melted mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, and crispy toasted panko breadcrumbs, served on toasted brioche buns.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1½ pounds ground chicken
1 yellow onion, diced
1½ cups tomato sauce
¼ cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella chunks
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Parsley for garnish
4 brioche buns, toasted
Instructions
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and onions, breaking into small chunks. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook 5-6 minutes until sauce reduces and mixture thickens.
In a separate skillet, heat olive oil; toast panko until golden and aromatic. Cool.
Remove chicken mixture from heat; top with mozzarella to melt slightly.
Toast brioche buns. Spoon chicken mixture onto buns, sprinkle Parmesan and toasted panko on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve promptly.
Notes
Avoid over-breaking chicken to keep texture.
Toast panko until just golden for crunch.
Use quality tomato sauce and paste.
Lightly toast buns for warmth and crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: chicken parmesan sloppy joes, cheesy sloppy joes, italian sloppy joe recipe, ground chicken sloppy joe, toasted panko sloppy joe
