Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByMarina Montclair November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe by combining hearty ground chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. This comforting sandwich is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

A close-up of a sandwich with a shiny, golden-brown top bun slightly lifted to show the filling. The sandwich has three main layers: a bottom layer of light golden toasted bun, a thick middle layer of melted white cheese, and a top layer of chunky reddish-brown meat sauce with visible bits of ground meat and tomato. On top of the sauce, there are small green herb pieces and thin shavings of pale cheese. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground chicken
1 cup diced yellow onion
24 oz marinara sauce
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 brioche buns
1/4 cup garlic margarine or butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F to toast the buns later.
Step 2: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Crumble the chicken thoroughly as it cooks to break it up evenly.
Step 4: Add the diced yellow onion to the pan while the chicken cooks.
Step 5: Stir the chicken and onions together until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Pour in the marinara sauce and basil pesto, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat while preparing the buns.
Step 10: Arrange the brioche buns in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 11: Spread garlic margarine evenly on each bun.
Step 12: Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 13: Spoon the chicken parmesan mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns.
Step 14: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture, then cover with the top buns.
Step 15: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
Try using ciabatta or sandwich rolls if brioche buns aren’t available.
Add fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbal note.
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for cooked lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetarian marinara.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken parmesan mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separately to avoid sogginess. Reheat the filling gently on the stove or microwave before assembling the sandwiches. For best texture, toast the buns fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A sandwich with two golden brown shiny soft buns, the bottom bun topped with a layer of white melted cheese slices, a thick layer of chunky red meat sauce with bits of ground meat and herbs, sprinkled with light tan grated cheese shavings and small green herb pieces on top; the top bun is slightly lifted to show the fillings, all placed on a round wooden plate set on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the ground chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without an oven?

You can toast the buns on a skillet or griddle over medium heat with garlic margarine instead of using the oven, turning them until they are golden brown.