Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes Recipe

ByElla Hart November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes offer a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender ground chicken simmered in a savory marinara sauce with cheesy, toasted brioche buns for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

A close-up image of a sandwich with three layers on a white sesame seed bun, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light brown toasted bun, topped with a thick layer of chunky red tomato sauce with pieces of cooked meat. On top of the sauce is a generous amount of shredded white melted cheese, and the sandwich is covered by the top half of the sesame seed bun, golden brown in color. 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 for toasting the buns.
Step 2: Place the ground chicken in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Crumble the chicken well as it cooks to break it into small pieces.
Step 4: Add the diced yellow onions to the pan and stir together with the chicken.
Step 5: Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
Step 6: Stir in the marinara sauce, basil pesto, salt, and pepper until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded Parmesan cheese, cooking gently to combine.
Step 8: While the mixture simmers, arrange the brioche buns on a baking sheet and spread garlic margarine on each cut side.
Step 9: Toast the buns in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Step 10: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
Step 11: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with the bun lids.
Step 12: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
Use fresh basil instead of pesto for a different herbal note.
Try topping with sliced tomatoes or fresh arugula for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling fresh buns. Toast buns just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich with a golden brown sesame seed bun on top. The bottom bun holds a thick layer of chunky red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of cooked meat, which looks juicy and rich. On top of the sauce, there is a layer of melted white shredded cheese, slightly soft and stretching over the meat. The sandwich is placed on a white plate, set against a white marbled 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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it refrigerated. Toast the buns and assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep them fresh.