If you love comforting food thatâs cheesy, saucy, and ready in less than 30 minutesâthis Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe recipe is made just for you.
It’s a fun twist on two favorites: classic Sloppy Joes and cheesy Chicken Parmesan.
This is one of those dinners that makes everyone at the table happy (yes, even picky eaters). Itâs simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Plus, you only need one pan and a few ingredients!
â¤ď¸ Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make â ready in 30 minutes
- Cheesy & delicious â loaded with melty mozzarella
- Family-approved â perfect for kids and adults
- Lighter than beef â made with ground chicken
Want more family meal ideas? Check out our Cheesy Chicken Sub and Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for your next dinner plan.
đĽ Is This a Healthy Sloppy Joe?
Yes! This recipe uses ground chicken, which is leaner than ground beef.
We also skip the heavy sauces and use sugar-free marinara to keep things light.
Pro tip: Want it even healthier? Use ground turkey and serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
đ Ingredients (Easy to Find)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1Âź cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Âź cup grated Parmesan
- 4 sandwich buns (toasted)
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for topping
đł Kitchen Tools Youâll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater
- Toaster or oven (for the buns)
đŠâđł Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook until soft.
Add ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 2: Add Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir.
Simmer on low for 5 minutes so it thickens.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and gooey.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast your sandwich buns. This keeps them from getting soggy.
Step 5: Build Your Sandwich
Spoon the cheesy chicken onto each bun.
Top with fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
đ Pro Tips for the Best Sandwich
- Donât use super lean chicken (it gets dry)
- Let the sauce simmerâit makes the flavor richer
- Toast your buns to keep them crispy
- Add extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent
đ Fun Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha
- Low-Carb Style: Skip the bun and use lettuce wraps
- Slider Style: Use mini buns, top with cheese, and bake
- Ground Turkey Swap: A leaner choice with similar taste
â Mistakes to Avoid
- Using extra lean meat (makes it dry)
- Skipping the toasting step (hello, soggy buns)
- Adding cheese too early (it gets oily)
- Overstuffing your sandwich (messy and hard to eat)
đ What to Serve With It
- Sweet potato fries
- Caesar or arugula salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Homemade chips or pickles
Craving more comfort food? Try our French Fry Casserole or Chicken Bacon Wraps!
đ§ How to Store & Reheat
- Store the filling in a container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a pan or microwave
- Freeze the filling (not the buns) for up to 2 months
- Thaw in the fridge before reheating
Great for meal prep, school lunches, or busy weeknights!
âFAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes! Itâs a great alternative.
Can I freeze it?
Just the fillingâdonât freeze the whole sandwich.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Best buns to use?
Try brioche, ciabatta, or even hoagie rolls.
đŠ Final Thoughts + Subscribe!
This Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe recipe is warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Itâs quick, easy, and totally comfortingâeverything you want in a homemade meal.
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