Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes – A Cheesy, Saucy Italian-Inspired Take on a Family Favorite

If you’re a fan of Chicken Parmesan but want something a little more casual, Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are the perfect solution. Packed with juicy ground chicken, marinara sauce, pesto, and plenty of cheese, these sandwiches have all the deliciousness of chicken parm in a fun and messy handheld form.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

We all love Chicken Parmesan, but let’s face it—it can be a bit of a hassle to make for a quick weeknight meal. That’s where this recipe comes in! By turning it into a sloppy joe, you get all the same great flavors—crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory marinara—without the effort of breading and frying chicken. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to eat!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

These sloppy joes are cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, combining the best parts of Italian cuisine with the ease of a classic sloppy joe. The addition of pesto adds a burst of herby flavor, while the garlic butter-toasted buns are the perfect base for the hearty chicken mixture. It’s a meal that’s comforting, quick, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 3g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve these Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh Caesar salad to keep with the Italian theme. Garlic breadsticks also make a great side for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, finish with a light dessert like tiramisu or Italian ice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat the chicken mixture in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Toast the buns fresh for the best texture. You can also freeze the chicken mixture—thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Cooking Tips

Garlic Butter Toasted Buns: Don’t skip toasting the buns with garlic butter! It adds so much flavor and helps keep the buns from getting soggy.Extra Cheese: For even more cheesy goodness, mix some mozzarella directly into the chicken mixture.Marinara Choice: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own if you have the time—it’ll make the dish even better!

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Recipe for Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp basil pesto
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4 brioche buns
• ¼ cup garlic margarine or butter
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:Set your oven to 400°F for toasting the brioche buns.
2. Cook the Chicken:Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, crumbling it as it browns.
3. Add the Onions:Add the diced onions to the pan with the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Make the Sauce:Stir in the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the Parmesan:Stir the shredded Parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture until fully combined. Let the mixture cook on low heat while you prepare the buns.
6. Toast the Buns:Place the brioche buns on a baking sheet. Spread each bun with garlic margarine or butter. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:Spoon the chicken Parmesan mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Serve and Enjoy:Close the sandwiches and serve while warm. Enjoy with a side of fries or salad for a complete meal.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes take everything you love about the Italian classic and turn it into a fun, easy-to-eat sandwich. With juicy ground chicken, rich marinara, herby pesto, and plenty of melty cheese, this is a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash. Serve it up on garlic-butter toasted buns, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.