Description
Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the casual comfort of sloppy joes. Ground chicken is cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and Italian herbs in a rich marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on toasted hamburger buns. This quick 30-minute recipe offers a delicious, family-friendly twist on comforting sandwiches perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 chicken breasts, ground or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground or chopped chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet until just golden and slightly crisp, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, ensuring even distribution of the saucy chicken.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken layer on each bun half.
- Melt the cheese: Place the topped buns under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the buns from the broiler, garnish with fresh basil leaves, then top with the other halves of the buns. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes, a perfect combination of comfort food flavors in a handheld sandwich.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the chicken if preferred.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used, but add it to the sauce for better flavor infusion.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes or omit them for a milder dish.
- To keep the buns from getting soggy, toast them until just crisp before assembling.
- Serving with a side salad or steamed vegetables balances the meal.
