Looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s both cheesy and delicious? Look no further! This Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe recipe is a perfect combination of creamy melted cheese, tender chicken, and all the comforting flavors of a classic sloppy joe. It’s a twist on the traditional beef sloppy joe, making it a lighter option that still packs a flavor punch. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this cheesy chicken sloppy joe is sure to be a hit.
What Makes This Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe Recipe So Special?
If you’re tired of the same old ground beef sloppy joes, it’s time to give this recipe a try! The lean chicken makes it lighter and healthier, but don’t worry — the cheese and savory seasonings keep the flavor rich and satisfying. This cheesy chicken sloppy joe recipe is easy to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting and quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can make this cheesy chicken sloppy joe in less than 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavor.
- Lighter Than Traditional Sloppy Joes: Made with chicken instead of beef, this is a healthier alternative.
- Versatile: Serve it on buns, over rice, or with a side of crispy fries — it’s so versatile!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need for this mouth-watering cheesy chicken sloppy joe.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: You can use ground chicken or diced chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese gives it the perfect melt and flavor.
- Onion: Adds a savory base flavor to your sloppy joe mix.
- Bell Pepper: A touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Tomato Sauce: This is the base for your sloppy joe sauce, bringing all the flavors together.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A must for that deep, umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness to balance the tang of the tomato sauce.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of flavor.
- Chili Powder: Gives the recipe a little kick.
- Buns: To serve the cheesy chicken sloppy joe.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe
This recipe is simple, but it’s packed with flavor. Here’s how to make your own cheesy chicken sloppy joe at home:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken breast (or ground chicken) and cook until browned and fully cooked. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Veggies: Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re softened.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined. The mixture should be creamy and cheesy!
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture onto your buns, top with additional cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe
- Add Spice: If you like your sloppy joes with a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use Different Cheese: You can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor.
- Serve with a Side: Try serving your cheesy chicken sloppy joe with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast diced or ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Serve on hamburger buns with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to swap the chicken for ground turkey for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, hearty, and comforting. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
Give this recipe a try tonight! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below or share your favorite twist on this cheesy sloppy joe. If you loved this recipe, check out some of our other tasty dishes like San Antonio Chicken Marinade or Moroccan Chicken Couscous. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Get your cheesy chicken sloppy joe fix today!