Chicken Sloppy Joes
A lighter, brighter twist on a classic favorite. Ground chicken replaces beef for a leaner, quicker-to-make sloppy joes that still delivers that saucy, smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Perfect on soft buns with crunchy pickles or a simple salad on the side. This recipe comes together in about 25 minutes and yields juicy, tuck-in-the-bun sandwiches that are great for weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional for deeper sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
- 4 soft hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- optional pickle slices, coleslaw, or shredded lettuce for topping
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Push the onions to the side and add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, until thickened to a saucy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit more brightness, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes for a mild kick.
- Toast the buns lightly (optional) and spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto each bun. Top with your chosen toppings and serve warm.