Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes (Easy Family Favorite)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a fun, messy, and totally satisfying classic to your dinner table? Today we’re making Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes (Easy Family Favorite) — a lighter twist on the beloved American sandwich that’s packed with flavor, protein, and wholesome comfort.

Sloppy Joes have been a cherished part of family meals for generations. Traditionally made with ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, they’re known for their sweet-and-savory richness and delightfully messy charm. This version keeps all that nostalgic goodness but swaps in lean ground chicken for a lighter, high-protein option that still delivers big flavor.

The sauce is perfectly balanced — slightly sweet, gently tangy, and warmly seasoned — coating tender ground chicken and vegetables before being piled high onto soft sandwich buns. It’s a quick stovetop recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

For Serving:

• 4–6 whole wheat sandwich buns
• Optional: sliced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, or coleslaw 🥒🧀

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned.
5. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
6. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until well combined.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. The mixture should be saucy but not watery.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add a touch more mustard for tang or sugar for sweetness.
10. Lightly toast the sandwich buns if desired.
11. Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings if you like.
12. Cover with the top bun and serve warm.

Nutritional Information:

Ground chicken makes this classic comfort food lighter without sacrificing satisfaction. Lean chicken provides high-quality protein with less saturated fat than traditional beef versions. The tomato-based sauce offers natural antioxidants, while bell peppers and onions add fiber and vitamins.

Using whole wheat buns increases fiber content and helps keep you feeling full longer. For an even lighter option, the filling can be served over lettuce cups or spooned over baked sweet potatoes.

This recipe balances protein, moderate carbohydrates, and healthy fats — making it a practical and nourishing choice for family dinners.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 360 (with bun) | 🍽️ Servings: 4–6

Estimated per serving:

• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 420mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!