Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tender ground chicken with rich marinara sauce and cheesy toppings, these sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

A close-up of a sandwich with a sesame seed-covered golden brown bun on the top and bottom. Inside, there is a thick layer of bright red chunky tomato sauce mixed with pieces of cooked ground meat, topped with melted white shredded cheese that is slightly stringy and soft, covering the sauce unevenly. The sandwich sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. 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.
Step 3: Crumble the ground chicken well as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan with the chicken and stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook until the ground chicken is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Step 6: Pour in the marinara sauce and add the basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently while preparing the buns.
Step 8: Arrange the brioche buns in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 9: Spread the garlic margarine or butter evenly on each bun.
Step 10: Toast the buns in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 11: Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
Step 12: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture, then place the top halves of the buns to form sandwiches.
Step 13: Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a subtle kick.
Try using whole wheat buns or ciabatta rolls for a different texture and flavor.
Use fresh basil instead of pesto if you prefer a lighter herb flavor.
For a lower-fat option, substitute part of the mozzarella with part-skim mozzarella cheese.

Storage

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid reheating the toasted buns to keep their texture crisp. Assemble sandwiches fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich with three main layers inside a sesame seed bun. The bottom layer is the soft, golden-brown bun. On top of it, there is a thick, chunky red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of cooked meat visible. The top layer consists of melted white cheese that looks soft and gooey, covering the sauce partially. Finally, the sandwich is topped with a sesame seed-covered golden-brown bun. The whole sandwich is placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the flavors and cooking method of this recipe.

Is it possible to prepare the mixture in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before toasting buns and assembling sandwiches.