Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

BySarah Summers November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining savory ground chicken with rich marinara and melted cheeses, they make an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

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 prepare for toasting the buns.
Step 2: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the diced yellow onion to the pan and stir well with the chicken.
Step 4: Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the mixture evenly.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently while you prepare the buns.
Step 6: Arrange the brioche buns on a baking sheet in a single layer. Spread garlic margarine on each bun.
Step 7: Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 8: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling, then top with the other bun halves.
Step 9: Serve the sloppy joes warm and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free buns as a substitute to suit dietary preferences.
Fresh basil can be chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh herbal note.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground chicken with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the filling gently on the stove or microwave before assembling. Once assembled, warm the full sandwich in the oven for a few minutes if desired.

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 other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey or lean ground beef can be used instead of chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Toast the buns fresh just before serving for the best texture.