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Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes Flavorful Family Meal

by on January 12, 2025

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Looking to spice up dinner with a fun, family-friendly meal? Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes are your answer! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. I’ll show you how to whip up this tasty dish, from the right ingredients to expert tips for perfecting your Sloppy Joes. Your family will be asking for seconds, so let’s get cooking!

To make tasty Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes, you need a few key items. Here are the main ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup tomato sauce - 4 hamburger buns These ingredients create a savory base for your sloppy joes. The ground chicken gives it a light texture, while the onion and bell pepper add a sweet crunch. Now, let’s talk about the flavors! These seasonings and sauces are crucial: - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste These items bring a mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors to your dish. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Smoked paprika adds depth, and chili powder gives a bit of heat. Finally, let’s not forget the finishing touches! Here’s what you can use: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Chopped parsley adds a fresh bite to each serving. You can also try adding sliced pickles or cheese for extra flavor. These toppings make your sloppy joes not just tasty but also visually appealing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. Make sure it turns white and is no longer pink. Once cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a finely chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them until they are tender, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and it will smell great! Now, add the cooked ground chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. This thickens the mixture and blends the flavors. While it simmers, you can toast 4 hamburger buns until golden brown. Once ready, serve the sloppy joe mix on the toasted buns and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch! To keep your Sloppy Joes juicy, use fresh ground chicken. Choose a brand with some fat. This fat adds moisture, making each bite tender. Don’t cook the chicken until it’s too dry. Stir often for even cooking. When mixing in sauces, let them coat the chicken well. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Toasting buns adds a nice crunch. Use a skillet for better control. Heat it over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the buns cut-side down in the skillet. Watch them closely. They can burn quickly. Toast until they are golden brown. This step makes them sturdy for the filling. Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding diced jalapeños for heat. A splash of hot sauce gives a nice kick too. For an extra layer of taste, mix in some barbecue sauce. It pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to reduce fat content, keeping your sloppy joes healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture. Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their sloppy joes. Serve with Sides: Pair your sloppy joes with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and has a similar taste. If you like beef, use lean ground beef for a classic flavor. Ground pork adds a nice richness. For a fun twist, try shredded rotisserie chicken. Each option will give you a different taste and texture. If you want a meatless meal, use lentils or beans. Cooked lentils blend well with the sauce. Black beans or kidney beans are great, too. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh. These options give you protein without meat. They soak up flavors nicely and keep the dish hearty. You can change the taste of your sloppy joes with spices. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. A teaspoon of sriracha can bring a spicy kick. For a sweet twist, add more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup. You can even mix in barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to find your favorite mix. Store any leftover sloppy joes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the mixture cool before sealing it. This helps to keep the flavors fresh and tasty. You can freeze sloppy joes for later meals. After cooking, let the mixture cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Sloppy joes can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This keeps your sloppy joes moist and tasty. I love to serve Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes with crispy fries or a fresh salad. The fries add crunch, while the salad gives a light touch. You can also add pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture. Yes, you can make sloppy joes in advance. Just cook the mixture and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. To spice up your sloppy joes, add more chili powder or some hot sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste it to see how spicy you want it. Yes, there are many gluten-free bun options. Look for buns made from rice or almond flour. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty sloppy joes! Ground chicken sloppy joes are easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the best ingredients, seasonings, and toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and ways to avoid dry meat. You can also try different proteins or make tasty vegan versions. Storing leftovers is simple and reheating keeps them tasty. These tips help you enjoy sloppy joes any day. Now, go create your own delicious version!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  2. Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and sauces creates a delicious and satisfying flavor in every bite.
  3. Healthy Alternative: Using ground chicken instead of beef makes this a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

To make tasty Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes, you need a few key items. Here are the main ingredients:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

– 1 cup tomato sauce

– 4 hamburger buns

These ingredients create a savory base for your sloppy joes. The ground chicken gives it a light texture, while the onion and bell pepper add a sweet crunch.

Essential Seasonings and Sauces

Now, let’s talk about the flavors! These seasonings and sauces are crucial:

– 2 tablespoons ketchup

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– ½ teaspoon chili powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

These items bring a mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors to your dish. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Smoked paprika adds depth, and chili powder gives a bit of heat.

Recommended Toppings and Garnishes

Finally, let’s not forget the finishing touches! Here’s what you can use:

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Chopped parsley adds a fresh bite to each serving. You can also try adding sliced pickles or cheese for extra flavor. These toppings make your sloppy joes not just tasty but also visually appealing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Ground Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. Make sure it turns white and is no longer pink. Once cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a finely chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them until they are tender, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and it will smell great!

Combining Ingredients and Simmering

Now, add the cooked ground chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. This thickens the mixture and blends the flavors. While it simmers, you can toast 4 hamburger buns until golden brown. Once ready, serve the sloppy joe mix on the toasted buns and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch!

Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Dry Sloppy Joes

To keep your Sloppy Joes juicy, use fresh ground chicken. Choose a brand with some fat. This fat adds moisture, making each bite tender. Don’t cook the chicken until it’s too dry. Stir often for even cooking. When mixing in sauces, let them coat the chicken well. This helps lock in flavor and moisture.

Best Practices for Toasting Buns

Toasting buns adds a nice crunch. Use a skillet for better control. Heat it over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the buns cut-side down in the skillet. Watch them closely. They can burn quickly. Toast until they are golden brown. This step makes them sturdy for the filling.

Flavor Enhancements for Perfect Sloppy Joes

Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding diced jalapeños for heat. A splash of hot sauce gives a nice kick too. For an extra layer of taste, mix in some barbecue sauce. It pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to reduce fat content, keeping your sloppy joes healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  2. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
  3. Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their sloppy joes.
  4. Serve with Sides: Pair your sloppy joes with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations

Alternative Proteins You Can Use

You can switch ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and has a similar taste. If you like beef, use lean ground beef for a classic flavor. Ground pork adds a nice richness. For a fun twist, try shredded rotisserie chicken. Each option will give you a different taste and texture.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you want a meatless meal, use lentils or beans. Cooked lentils blend well with the sauce. Black beans or kidney beans are great, too. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh. These options give you protein without meat. They soak up flavors nicely and keep the dish hearty.

Different Flavor Profiles (Spicy, Sweet, etc.)

You can change the taste of your sloppy joes with spices. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. A teaspoon of sriracha can bring a spicy kick. For a sweet twist, add more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup. You can even mix in barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to find your favorite mix.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes

Store any leftover sloppy joes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the mixture cool before sealing it. This helps to keep the flavors fresh and tasty.

Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

You can freeze sloppy joes for later meals. After cooking, let the mixture cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Sloppy joes can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips for Best Texture

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This keeps your sloppy joes moist and tasty.

FAQs

What can I serve with Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes?

I love to serve Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes with crispy fries or a fresh salad. The fries add crunch, while the salad gives a light touch. You can also add pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make sloppy joes in advance?

Yes, you can make sloppy joes in advance. Just cook the mixture and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I make Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes spicier?

To spice up your sloppy joes, add more chili powder or some hot sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste it to see how spicy you want it.

Are there gluten-free options for the buns?

Yes, there are many gluten-free bun options. Look for buns made from rice or almond flour. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty sloppy joes!

Ground chicken sloppy joes are easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the best ingredients, seasonings, and toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and ways to avoid dry meat. You can also try different proteins or make tasty vegan versions.

Storing leftovers is simple and reheating keeps them tasty. These tips help you enjoy sloppy joes any day. Now, go create your own delicious versio

To make tasty Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes, you need a few key items. Here are the main ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup tomato sauce - 4 hamburger buns These ingredients create a savory base for your sloppy joes. The ground chicken gives it a light texture, while the onion and bell pepper add a sweet crunch. Now, let’s talk about the flavors! These seasonings and sauces are crucial: - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste These items bring a mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors to your dish. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Smoked paprika adds depth, and chili powder gives a bit of heat. Finally, let’s not forget the finishing touches! Here’s what you can use: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Chopped parsley adds a fresh bite to each serving. You can also try adding sliced pickles or cheese for extra flavor. These toppings make your sloppy joes not just tasty but also visually appealing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. Make sure it turns white and is no longer pink. Once cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a finely chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them until they are tender, which takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and it will smell great! Now, add the cooked ground chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to mix. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. This thickens the mixture and blends the flavors. While it simmers, you can toast 4 hamburger buns until golden brown. Once ready, serve the sloppy joe mix on the toasted buns and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch! To keep your Sloppy Joes juicy, use fresh ground chicken. Choose a brand with some fat. This fat adds moisture, making each bite tender. Don’t cook the chicken until it’s too dry. Stir often for even cooking. When mixing in sauces, let them coat the chicken well. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Toasting buns adds a nice crunch. Use a skillet for better control. Heat it over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the buns cut-side down in the skillet. Watch them closely. They can burn quickly. Toast until they are golden brown. This step makes them sturdy for the filling. Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding diced jalapeños for heat. A splash of hot sauce gives a nice kick too. For an extra layer of taste, mix in some barbecue sauce. It pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to reduce fat content, keeping your sloppy joes healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture. Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their sloppy joes. Serve with Sides: Pair your sloppy joes with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and has a similar taste. If you like beef, use lean ground beef for a classic flavor. Ground pork adds a nice richness. For a fun twist, try shredded rotisserie chicken. Each option will give you a different taste and texture. If you want a meatless meal, use lentils or beans. Cooked lentils blend well with the sauce. Black beans or kidney beans are great, too. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh. These options give you protein without meat. They soak up flavors nicely and keep the dish hearty. You can change the taste of your sloppy joes with spices. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. A teaspoon of sriracha can bring a spicy kick. For a sweet twist, add more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup. You can even mix in barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to find your favorite mix. Store any leftover sloppy joes in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the mixture cool before sealing it. This helps to keep the flavors fresh and tasty. You can freeze sloppy joes for later meals. After cooking, let the mixture cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Sloppy joes can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This keeps your sloppy joes moist and tasty. I love to serve Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes with crispy fries or a fresh salad. The fries add crunch, while the salad gives a light touch. You can also add pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture. Yes, you can make sloppy joes in advance. Just cook the mixture and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. To spice up your sloppy joes, add more chili powder or some hot sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste it to see how spicy you want it. Yes, there are many gluten-free bun options. Look for buns made from rice or almond flour. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty sloppy joes! Ground chicken sloppy joes are easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the best ingredients, seasonings, and toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and ways to avoid dry meat. You can also try different proteins or make tasty vegan versions. Storing leftovers is simple and reheating keeps them tasty. These tips help you enjoy sloppy joes any day. Now, go create your own delicious version!

Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

A delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe using ground chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 pieces hamburger buns
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground chicken. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the cooked ground chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
  • While the mixture is simmering, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a dry skillet until golden brown.
  • Serve the sloppy joe mixture generously on the toasted buns and top with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword easy recipe, ground chicken, sloppy joes

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