Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByElla Hart November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tender ground chicken in a savory marinara sauce with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this sandwich is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich with three main layers inside a sesame seed bun. The top layer is the golden-brown, sesame-speckled bun, soft and slightly shiny. Below it, there is a layer of melted white cheese that looks smooth and stringy. The bottom filling layer is a chunky red sauce mixed with bits of browned meat, creating a rich and textured look. The sandwich is placed on a white plate and the background is a white marbled texture. 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 (200°C) to toast the buns.
Step 2: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Crumble the chicken thoroughly as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Add the diced yellow onion to the pan and stir with the chicken.
Step 5: Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and onions are softened.
Step 6: Stir in the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper, coating the chicken mixture evenly.
Step 7: Lower the heat to low and add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring well to combine.
Step 8: Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat while preparing the buns.
Step 9: Arrange the brioche buns cut side up on a baking sheet and spread garlic margarine or butter on each.
Step 10: Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Step 11: Spoon the chicken Parmesan mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns.
Step 12: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with the bun lids.
Step 13: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein.
Try topping with fresh basil leaves for a fresh herbal note.
Use ciabatta or sandwich rolls instead of brioche buns for a different texture.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken Parmesan mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat to prevent drying out. Toast fresh buns before assembling leftovers to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich with three visible layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a soft sesame seed bun with a light golden-brown color and seed texture. On top of this is a thick layer of chunky meat sauce in bright red with small pieces of browned meat mixed with the sauce. The next layer is melted white cheese, slightly stringy and spread unevenly over the sauce. The sandwich is topped by the sesame seed bun's top part, golden and shiny with seeds spread across it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken Parmesan mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and toast the buns fresh before assembling.