Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes – A Comfort Food Classic with a Cheesy Twist

When you think of sloppy joes, beef probably comes to mind. But this Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe gives the classic a delicious upgrade. Lean ground chicken is simmered in a sweet, tangy, slightly smoky sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella and served on soft brioche buns. The result? A lighter but equally satisfying version of a nostalgic favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or just craving comfort food, these sloppy joes hit the spot. They’re quick, cheesy, and guaranteed to be messy in the best way possible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses lean chicken for a lighter alternative to beef
Easy, family-friendly comfort food ready in under an hour
Sweet, tangy sauce balanced with melty mozzarella
Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground chicken – lean protein that absorbs flavor beautifully.
  • Onion & garlic – build a flavorful base.
  • Tomato sauce + ketchup – create a tangy, sweet sauce.
  • Brown sugar & Worcestershire – for depth and balance.
  • Dijon mustard & chili powder – add a kick without overpowering.
  • Mozzarella cheese – creamy, stretchy topping.
  • Brioche buns – soft, slightly sweet bread that pairs perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken – Cook in olive oil until fully browned, then drain.
  2. Add aromatics – Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened.
  3. Make the sauce – Add tomato sauce, ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Toast the buns – Optional, but adds flavor and sturdiness.
  5. Assemble – Spoon chicken mixture onto buns, top with mozzarella.
  6. Melt the cheese – Broil for 1–2 minutes (or microwave 30 sec).
  7. Finish & serve – Garnish with parsley, close the sandwich, and enjoy hot!

Chef Tips & Variations

  • Spice it up: Add extra chili powder or hot sauce.
  • Cheese swaps: Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
  • Sweeter flavor: Add more brown sugar.
  • Tangier flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • Protein swap: Substitute ground turkey or beef.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sloppy joes with oven-baked fries, coleslaw, or even a side salad to balance the richness.

Fun Facts About Sloppy Joes

  • The origin of sloppy joes dates back to the early 20th century in the U.S.
  • Traditionally made with beef, they were named after Joe, a cook who served messy sandwiches in Iowa.
  • This chicken version keeps the comfort food vibe but makes it lighter and protein-packed.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced flavors – Sweet, tangy, savory, and cheesy all in one bite
  • Textural contrast – Soft buns, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and optional crunch from toppings
  • Customizable – Can easily adjust spice, sweetness, or protein to your liking
Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes

Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

Approximately 350 per serving

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 brioche buns

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes
  • Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
  • While the sauce simmers, lightly toast the brioche buns, if desired.
  • Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the brioche buns.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave for 30 seconds until cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or beef for ground chicken.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • For a sweeter flavor, add a little more brown sugar.
  • For a tangier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • You can use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar.