When most people think of sloppy joes, beef is the first protein that comes to mind. But why not give this nostalgic comfort food a delicious upgrade? Enter Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes—a lighter, protein-packed version of the classic sandwich. Lean ground chicken is simmered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese and served on soft brioche buns. The result is a sandwich that is just as satisfying as the original, but with a lighter touch.

Whether you’re feeding the family, meal prepping for a busy week, or simply craving messy comfort food, these sloppy joes hit the mark. They’re cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to be messy in the best way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a few reasons this version of sloppy joes has quickly become a favorite for home cooks:

Lighter Alternative
Using ground chicken instead of beef makes the dish leaner without sacrificing flavor.
Quick & Easy
Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day sandwiches.
Cheesy & Comforting
Mozzarella adds a creamy, melty texture that kids and adults both love.
Customizable Flavor
Sweet, tangy, or spicy—you can adjust the sauce to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved
Soft brioche buns, mild cheese, and flavorful chicken make these sandwiches approachable for picky eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to create these cheesy chicken sloppy joes:

For the Chicken Filling:

Ground chicken – Lean and versatile, absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil – For cooking the chicken and aromatics.
Onion & garlic – Build a rich, savory base.

For the Sauce:

Tomato sauce + ketchup – Creates a sweet and tangy flavor.
Brown sugar – Balances acidity and adds depth.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory, slightly smoky note.
Dijon mustard – Introduces a subtle tang and complexity.
Chili powder – Adds warmth without overpowering the chicken.
Salt & pepper – Season to taste.

For the Topping:

Mozzarella cheese – Melty and creamy, the perfect finishing touch.

For the Buns:

Brioche buns – Slightly sweet and soft, sturdy enough to hold the sloppy filling.

Optional Garnishes & Add-Ins:

Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish.
Sliced pickles or jalapeños – Adds tang or heat.
Coleslaw – For crunch and extra texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly messy, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy filling.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundation for a flavor-packed sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)

Slice brioche buns in half and lightly toast them on a skillet, grill, or in the oven. This adds flavor and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Place assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds, just until the cheese becomes gooey and melty.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or your favorite toppings. Close the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately.

Chef Tips & Variations

Flavor Adjustments

Spicy Version: Add extra chili powder, crushed red pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Sweeter Version: Increase brown sugar slightly to enhance the sweetness.
Tangier Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit of lemon juice.

Cheese Options

Mozzarella is classic, but you can swap for provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.

Protein Swaps

Substitute ground turkey or even lean ground beef for variation.

Make Ahead

The chicken filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cheesy chicken sloppy joes with side dishes that complement the flavors:

Oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries – Crispy and perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
Garden salad – Lightens the meal and adds freshness.
Pickles or pickled jalapeños – Enhance tanginess and provide extra bite.
Baked beans – A hearty side that pairs well with sloppy joes for a classic American meal.

Fun Facts About Sloppy Joes

The origin of sloppy joes dates back to the early 20th century in the United States.
Traditionally, sloppy joes were made with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce.
The name “sloppy joe” comes from Joe, a cook in Iowa who served messy sandwiches.
This chicken version keeps the comfort food vibe but adds a lighter, protein-rich twist.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tangy, savory, and cheesy all in a single bite.
Textural Contrast: Soft brioche buns, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and optional crunchy toppings create a satisfying experience.
Customizable: Easily adjust spice, sweetness, or protein to suit your family or guests.
Quick & Easy: Less than an hour from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
Kid-Friendly: Mild and cheesy, sure to be a hit with picky eaters.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the filling in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating Sandwiches: Assemble with cheese and broil or microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.

Extra Tips for the Ultimate Sloppy Joe Experience

Double the Cheese: Layer mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooey goodness.
Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for added nutrition.
Creative Toppings: Crispy onions, avocado, or jalapeños add flavor and texture.
Buns Matter: Brioche is soft and slightly sweet, but potato rolls or whole grain buns work beautifully too.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes take a classic comfort food and make it lighter, cheesier, and just as indulgent. With lean chicken, a tangy-sweet sauce, and melty mozzarella, this recipe hits all the marks for flavor, texture, and nostalgia.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or game day gatherings, these sloppy joes are easy to make, fully customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad, and you have a complete meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with toppings and spices, this cheesy chicken twist is sure to become a family favorite and a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

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.