Looking to switch things up for dinner? These Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes are exactly what you need. Made with lean ground chicken, tangy tomato paste, and a perfect blend of seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and a hit of balsamic vinegar for that extra flavor punch. Bell peppers and red onions give it just the right amount of crunch, while a touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness. Tamari ties it all together with a savory kick. It’s messy, flavorful, and super easy to whip up. Perfect for weeknights when you want something fast but packed with flavor!
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Ground Chicken: It’s lean, healthy, and soaks up all those amazing flavors you’re about to throw in. Plus, it keeps things light, so you can totally justify going back for seconds… or thirds.
- Tomato Paste: This is where the rich, tangy base comes from. Tomato paste gives your sloppy joes that deep, savory goodness. It's thick, so it holds everything together—because no one likes a sloppy joe that’s too sloppy.
- Red Onion: Sweet and a little sharp, red onion adds a nice punch of flavor. It gives just enough bite without overpowering the dish. Plus, it's a veggie, so you can feel virtuous about sneaking in a bit of healthiness.
- Bell Pepper: Colorful, crunchy, and the perfect complement to the ground chicken. Bell peppers add a fresh, juicy bite to every mouthful. They also give your sloppy joes a little texture, making each bite more interesting.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Because no one has time to finely chop more onions and garlic, right? These two are the ultimate time-savers, giving your dish a serious flavor boost without any extra effort. Perfect for when you want depth without the fuss.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The secret weapon! A splash of balsamic adds that perfect sweet and tangy note that makes people wonder why your sloppy joes taste so much better than the regular kind. It balances out all the flavors and gives a hint of sophistication to this classic dish.
- Honey: Just a touch for sweetness. It balances out the tangy tomato and balsamic with a sticky-sweet finish that makes each bite even more satisfying. Plus, honey helps get that perfect "sloppy" texture.
- Tamari: This is the flavor bomb that takes everything to the next level. Tamari adds a deep umami hit and a savory note that rounds out all the sweetness and tang. It’s like soy sauce but gluten-free, so no one gets left out. And trust me, you won't want to leave anyone out with these bad boys.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and keeps the dish just as flavorful. So, if you’ve got turkey on hand, go for it. Both proteins are lean, but the turkey adds a slightly different texture—just as tasty, and no one will know the difference once it’s all smothered in that delicious sauce. - Do I really need balsamic vinegar?
Yes, you do! Balsamic vinegar adds that perfect tang and richness to balance out the sweetness from the honey. It gives the sauce an extra depth of flavor that makes it stand out. Without it, your sloppy joes might feel like they’re missing that “something special.” Plus, it adds a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tomato paste. - Can I skip the bell pepper?
You could, but you’d miss out on a great crunch and extra layer of flavor. Bell peppers add a slight sweetness and a burst of color that makes the whole thing feel a bit more gourmet. Also, they soften perfectly in the sauce, so even if you’re not a fan of raw peppers, cooked ones might surprise you. - What’s tamari, and can I use soy sauce instead?
Tamari is basically the gluten-free sibling of soy sauce, so feel free to sub in regular soy sauce if you’re not worried about gluten. The flavor is very similar—both add that savory umami kick that takes your sloppy joe sauce from average to amazing. - Why ground chicken over beef?
Ground chicken is leaner and a bit lighter than beef, making these sloppy joes feel less heavy but still satisfying. It soaks up all the flavors like a champ! If you’re looking to switch things up from the usual beef or want a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor, ground chicken is the way to go. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, sloppy joes are one of those magical dishes that get even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together, and the sauce thickens up nicely. Just prep it the night before, toss it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready—easy weeknight dinner, sorted! - Is honey necessary for sweetness?
Honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory ingredients, but if you’re out of it or just prefer something else, maple syrup is a great alternative. It’ll add a slightly different flavor, but still keep things sweet and balanced. - What if I don’t have tomato paste?
No worries. If you’re out of tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or even ketchup in a pinch—just keep in mind you’ll need to reduce it a bit longer to thicken it up. Tomato paste is more concentrated, but with a little patience, you can get a similar result with sauce. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Sloppy joes freeze really well. Just cool the mixture completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and toss it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 3 months, and all you have to do is thaw and reheat for a quick and easy meal on those busy nights. - How do I serve these?
The classic option is on a bun, but why stop there? Try it over rice for a sloppy joe bowl, in a lettuce wrap if you’re feeling low-carb, or even spooned over a baked potato for some ultimate comfort food vibes. You could even turn this into a sloppy joe slider situation for parties!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sloppy Joes
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the ground chicken. This isn’t a race! Let it cook until it’s golden and slightly crispy. Browning adds depth of flavor that makes your sloppy joes anything but bland. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it’s the foundation for all that flavor-packed goodness.
- Veggies for Texture: When it comes to the red onion and bell pepper, the goal is tender but not mushy. Sauté them just long enough to soften but leave a little bite. This gives your sloppy joes a nice texture contrast—soft bun, juicy filling, and a bit of crunch from the veggies. No one wants a sandwich that feels like baby food!
- Tomato Paste Power: Don’t just dump the tomato paste in and move on. Give it a couple of minutes to cook down before you add the other ingredients. This caramelizes the sugars in the paste and deepens the flavor, turning your sauce from “meh” to “wow.” That little extra patience goes a long way in making the sauce rich and hearty.
- Honey + Balsamic = Magic: The combo of honey and balsamic vinegar is your secret weapon here. It creates a sweet-tangy balance that cuts through the richness of the ground chicken and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor. You’ll get a hit of sweetness followed by a little tang, and that’s what makes these sloppy joes stand out from the average mix.
- Bread Matters: Your buns should be soft, but sturdy enough to handle the sloppy joe without disintegrating halfway through. Think brioche or potato rolls—they’re soft but hold their own against the saucy filling. Toast them lightly if you want to go the extra mile. There’s nothing worse than a soggy bun ruining your delicious sloppy joe experience!
- Sloppy is Good: Don’t be afraid to make these as sloppy as the name suggests! Load up that filling until it’s spilling out of the sides. This isn’t the time to be neat—embrace the mess, and keep some napkins nearby. That’s half the fun of a good sloppy joe, right?
- Next-Day Flavor Bomb: If by some miracle you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat. The flavors only get better after chilling overnight in the fridge. The sauce thickens, and the sweet, tangy, savory flavors develop even more. Honestly, the next-day version might even be better than fresh!
More Meal Prep Recipes!
- Healthy Chicken Curry Wraps
- Mexican Bowl Meal Prep
- Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
- Sweet Chili Chicken Meal Prep
- Leftover Chicken Curry Meal Prep
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Meal Prep
- Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
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Recipe
Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Looking to switch things up for dinner? These Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes are exactly what you need. Made with lean ground chicken, tangy tomato paste, and a perfect blend of seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and a hit of balsamic vinegar for that extra flavor punch.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 454 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chicken
- 5 oz tomato paste or 1 small can
- 1 cup red onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 hamburger buns bread of choice
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
Cook the onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes, frequently stirring.
Add the ground chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until fully cooked, breaking the meat into small pieces in the process.
Add the rest of the ingredients, stir until well combined, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Toast your hamburger buns and serve by pouring the mixture inside them. To make this even healthier, you can add your favorite toppings or even fresh veggies. Shredded mozzarella is a great addition as well!
Recipe Notes
Please refer to the sections above the recipe card for any further instructions or questions.
Nutrition Facts
Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 454 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 526mg23%
Potassium 1203mg34%
Carbohydrates 50g17%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 25g28%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 1179IU24%
Vitamin C 40mg48%
Calcium 100mg10%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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