Smoky Cheddar Chicken Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
Savory ground chicken simmered in a tangy sauce, finished with melted cheddar, and served on toasted buns. A quick comfort dinner perfect for busy nights.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
Optional
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess moisture if needed.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika.
- Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the chicken mixture, allowing it to melt gently.
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns.
- Spoon the cheesy chicken onto the buns and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
For the richest flavor, allow the chicken mixture to simmer until properly thickened — rushing this step can leave the filling watery. Toasting the buns creates a protective barrier that keeps them pleasantly firm under the saucy chicken. For an extra layer of depth, add a small splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving to brighten the entire dish.Wine Tip
A fruit-forward Zinfandel pairs beautifully with these cheesy chicken sloppy joes, complementing the tangy sauce while standing up to the melted cheddar. Prefer white wine? A slightly off-dry Riesling offers a refreshing contrast that balances the savory richness and keeps each bite lively.Nutrition values
Serving: 1 sandwich | Calories: 510 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 25 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 630 mg | Sugar: 7 g