If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes. This dish takes the classic sloppy joe and elevates it with Italian flavors, creating the perfect fusion of comfort food and gourmet. Combining tender ground chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on soft, toasted brioche buns, it’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

For a more traditional take on this beloved dish, you can explore sloppy joe history, but this version offers a unique twist that your family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe :

Healthier Protein Choice: Using lean ground chicken instead of beef lightens up this meal without sacrificing flavor. Chicken’s mild taste acts as the perfect base for the rich Italian ingredients.
Rich Italian Flavor: The combination of marinara sauce and basil pesto creates a deep, flavorful sauce that elevates the whole dish. If you’re curious about the role of marinara in Italian-American cooking, you can find more details in this article about marinara sauce.
Cheesy Goodness: Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses bring the classic chicken parmesan taste to life. You can explore the differences between these cheeses in this cheese guide to understand their importance in this recipe.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights. If you’re seeking more ideas for easy weeknight dinners, check out these quick family dinners to expand your options!

Ingredients Breakdown :

Detailed Ingredients Overview :

To create this delicious Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes recipe, you’ll need a variety of flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s a breakdown of each component and why it’s essential to the dish.

Lean Ground Chicken (1 lb)
- Ground chicken is a healthier alternative to beef, providing a lower fat content while still packing plenty of protein. Its mild flavor absorbs the rich marinara and pesto sauces, ensuring a balanced and tasty result. To learn more about the benefits of ground chicken in recipes, check out this ground chicken guide.
Diced Yellow Onion (1 cup)
- Yellow onions add a mild sweetness and a savory depth of flavor that complements the chicken. When cooked, onions become tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Marinara Sauce (24 oz)
- This staple Italian sauce is rich in tomato flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Using a high-quality marinara sauce is key to creating a delicious base for the sloppy joes. If you want to dive deeper into the ingredients and origins of marinara sauce, read more about it here.
Basil Pesto (2 tbsp)
- Basil pesto adds a burst of herbaceous flavor to the mix, providing richness with the combination of basil, garlic, and Parmesan. This addition takes the dish from simple to gourmet. For more insight into pesto and its variations, refer to this guide on basil pesto.
Salt (1 tsp) and Pepper (1 tsp)
- Basic seasonings like salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and onions while balancing the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup)
- Parmesan cheese is an essential part of any chicken parmesan recipe, providing a sharp and nutty flavor. It melts into the sauce, creating a creamier and richer texture. Discover more about Parmesan cheese in this link.
Brioche Buns (4 buns)
- These soft, buttery buns are the perfect vehicle for the rich chicken mixture. Their slight sweetness complements the savory filling, and when toasted, they hold up well to the saucy ingredients.
Garlic Margarine or Butter (1/4 cup)
- Toasting the buns with garlic margarine or butter adds another layer of flavor, making each bite of your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe all the more delicious.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)
- Mozzarella cheese gives the sandwich its signature cheesy, gooey topping. If you’re curious about the various uses of mozzarella in cooking, you can find more information in this guide to mozzarella cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes :

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Mixture :

Preheat the Oven to 400°F
- Preheating the oven ensures the buns will toast evenly and achieve that golden, crispy texture essential for this dish.
Cooking the Ground Chicken
- Start by adding your lean ground chicken to a large sauté pan. Cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Ground chicken can sometimes stick to the pan, so make sure to stir frequently. Cooking the meat thoroughly is crucial for both flavor and safety.
Adding the Onions
- When the chicken is halfway cooked, add the diced yellow onions to the pan. The onions will cook down and release their natural sweetness, which blends perfectly with the mild flavor of the chicken. Continue stirring until the chicken is completely browned and the onions are tender.

Step 2: Creating the Flavorful Sauce :

Adding the Marinara Sauce
- Once the chicken and onions are cooked, it’s time to add the marinara sauce. Stir it in thoroughly to coat all the chicken pieces. The sauce not only adds a rich tomato flavor but also binds the ingredients together, making the chicken mixture juicy and flavorful.
Incorporating Basil Pesto, Salt, and Pepper
- Next, stir in the basil pesto along with the salt and pepper. The pesto gives the dish an extra layer of Italian flavor, with its blend of basil, garlic, and cheese adding a delicious depth to the sauce.
Adding Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, thickening it and giving the mixture a creamier consistency. The sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan is what truly gives this dish its signature chicken parmesan taste.
Simmering the Mixture
- Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together, and the sauce thickens up perfectly. During this time, you can prepare the buns for toasting.

Toasting the Brioche Buns :

Preparing the Buns :

While your chicken parmesan mixture simmers on low heat, it’s time to prepare the brioche buns. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, with the cut sides facing up. Spread the garlic margarine or butter generously over the inside of each bun. This step is crucial because it ensures the buns have that rich, garlicky flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sloppy joes. Using garlic butter not only adds flavor but also prevents the buns from becoming soggy under the saucy chicken mixture.

Toasting the Buns :

Once the buns are buttered, place the baking sheet in the oven preheated to 400°F. Let the buns toast for about five minutes or until they’re golden brown with slightly crispy edges. The toasting process helps the buns hold up against the juicy chicken parmesan mixture, ensuring they don’t fall apart when you bite into them. Toasted brioche buns provide a soft, buttery bite with a slight crunch, making them the perfect complement to the saucy, cheesy filling.

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to perfect sandwich buns, check out these brioche bun ideas.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes :

Assembling the Sloppy Joes :

Now that your buns are toasted and your chicken mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Make sure the chicken mixture is evenly distributed, so each bite has the perfect balance of sauce, chicken, and flavor. The rich marinara and basil pesto sauce should coat the chicken well, and the Parmesan cheese will have melted into the mix, creating a creamy, savory base for your sandwich.

Adding the Mozzarella Cheese :

After spooning the chicken mixture onto the buns, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Mozzarella adds a delightful, gooey texture and a mild, creamy flavor that complements the sharpness of the Parmesan. If you want an extra cheesy finish, you can place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt the mozzarella completely. This step ensures that your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joe is irresistibly cheesy!

Topping and Serving :

Finally, place the top half of the toasted buns over the cheesy chicken mixture to complete the sandwich. Serve your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still melted. Pair them with a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or fries for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations :

Serving Ideas :

Serve your Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. Some great options include:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Sweet potato fries or classic French fries for a casual side.

These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a fun weeknight meal. Looking for more dinner ideas? Check out these quick family dinners to make meal planning even easier.

Recipe Variations :

Use Ground Turkey or Beef: For a slightly different take on this dish, you can swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef. Both will provide a richer flavor and a heartier bite.
Try Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional for chicken parmesan, you can switch things up by using provolone or cheddar for a sharper flavor profile.
Add Extra Vegetables: To pack in more nutrition, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to the chicken mixture. These vegetables will enhance both the texture and flavor of the dish.
Spicy Variation: If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
For more ways to tweak this recipe and suit different diets, explore these weeknight meal ideas for inspiration!

Dietary Modifications :

If you need to adjust the recipe to meet specific dietary needs:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free brioche buns to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-free: Swap out the cheeses for a dairy-free alternative, making this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.