Chicken Sloppy Joes

by

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our delectable Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe! Crafted with tender ground chicken, aromatic veggies, and a rich, savory sauce, these Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and become a family favorite. Elevate this classic dish by serving it on toasted brioche buns for a delightful twist that adds a touch of gourmet flair to every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (not extra virgin) or avocado oil
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup of ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ cup of water (adjust to desired consistency)
  • 4-6 brioche buns

Directions:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, tomato paste, and chili powder directly into the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
  3. Pour in the water and stir, ensuring everything in the skillet is well combined and coated in the sauce.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. While the chicken mixture is simmering, toast the brioche buns in the oven or on a griddle with a little bit of butter until lightly golden.
  6. Once everything is ready, divide the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns, then cover with the top halves.
  7. Serve the Chicken Sloppy Joes immediately with a side of your choice, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the Chicken Sloppy Joes before serving to add a pop of freshness and color.
  2. Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, top your sloppy joes with a handful of crispy fried onions or coleslaw mix.
  3. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Melt a slice of your favorite cheese on top of the chicken mixture just before assembling the sandwiches for a gooey, cheesy twist.
  4. Pickled Perfection: Serve alongside tangy pickles or pickled jalapeños for a zesty contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.
  5. Customize with Condiments: Set out a variety of condiments such as hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or extra mustard for guests to personalize their Sloppy Joes according to their taste preferences.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: If you have excess Sloppy Joe mixture, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: Reheat the Sloppy Joe mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for quick and convenient reheating.
  4. Toast Buns Before Serving: If serving leftovers, toast the brioche buns again before assembling the sandwiches to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor.
  5. Avoid Freezing Assembled Sandwiches: While the chicken mixture can be frozen, avoid freezing already assembled sandwiches as the texture of the bread may become soggy upon thawing.

Variations:

  1. Turkey Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken for a leaner option with a similar taste profile.
  2. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Replace the ground chicken with cooked lentils, black beans, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty vegetarian version. Increase the amount of vegetables for added flavor and texture.
  3. Spicy Sloppy Joes: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also drizzle with sriracha or top with sliced spicy pepperoncini for an extra kick.
  4. BBQ Chicken Sloppy Joes: Swap out the ketchup for your favorite barbecue sauce and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess. Serve on toasted onion buns for a smoky, barbecue twist.
  5. Asian-Inspired Sloppy Joes: Incorporate Asian flavors by replacing the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, adding grated ginger and minced garlic to the chicken mixture, and topping with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve on toasted sesame seed buns for an Asian fusion experience.
  6. Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a dash of cumin to the chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex flair.
  7. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: Mix in buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy and tangy twist. Serve on toasted buns with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo chicken experience.
  8. Mushroom Sloppy Joes: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added depth of flavor and a meaty texture. You can also blend mushrooms into a paste and mix it into the sauce for a rich umami taste.
  9. Hawaiian Sloppy Joes: Incorporate pineapple chunks into the chicken mixture and substitute the ketchup with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. Top with shredded cabbage and sliced green onions for a taste of the tropics.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken?
    • Absolutely! Ground beef can be substituted for ground chicken in this recipe for a more traditional Sloppy Joes flavor.
  2. Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
  3. What can I serve as a side dish with Chicken Sloppy Joes?
    • Common side dishes include coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
  4. Can I freeze the Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
    • Toasting the buns before assembling the sandwiches helps to create a barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy from the sauce.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or add hot sauce to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
  7. Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free buns or serve the Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture over baked potatoes or rice for a gluten-free alternative.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, these Chicken Sloppy Joes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of this timeless favorite!