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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns Ground chicken is lean and cooks fast. It gives these Sloppy Joes a light taste. The onion and garlic add depth. The red bell pepper brings a sweet crunch. Ketchup is key for sweetness and tang. Worcestershire sauce adds umami. Apple cider vinegar gives it a nice zing. Brown sugar balances the flavors. Smoked paprika and cumin add warmth and depth. - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) Cilantro adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for heat. Avocado slices give creaminess. Cheese can add richness too. - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Toaster or separate pan (for toasting buns) Having the right tools makes cooking easy. The skillet is where all the magic happens. A wooden spoon helps break up the chicken. A mixing bowl and whisk are great for the sauce. Toasting buns adds a nice crunch. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make these Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. Stir them often until they get tender and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and smell amazing. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes. Make sure the chicken is browned and no longer pink. While the chicken cooks, it’s time to make the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they blend smoothly. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors mix together nicely. To add a nice touch, toast your hamburger buns. You can do this in a separate pan or a toaster. Toast them until they turn golden brown. Once they are ready, slice the buns in half. Now, it’s time to assemble your Sloppy Joes. Spoon a generous amount of the zesty chicken mix onto the bottom half of each bun. If you like, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top for extra flavor. Serve them right away, with the top half of the bun on the side. Enjoy your tasty meal! To make your Sloppy Joes pop, use the right seasonings. Smoked paprika adds depth. Cumin gives warmth. Brown sugar balances the tangy ketchup and vinegar. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, can brighten the dish. Cooking ground chicken can be tricky. Start with medium heat to avoid drying it out. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-6 minutes. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Stir often to ensure even cooking. A great meal looks as good as it tastes. Serve Sloppy Joes on toasted buns for a nice crunch. Use a colorful plate to make it pop. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a garden salad for color and texture. This makes your meal more inviting and fun. Pro Tips Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Ensuring your onion and bell pepper are chopped to a similar size helps them cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the filling. Customize the Heat: If you enjoy some spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also enhances the flavor. Consider adding other herbs like parsley or green onions for variety. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients to fit your diet. If you need a leaner option, use turkey instead of ground chicken. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free buns. You can also swap the Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free choice. If you want to cut back on sugar, use a sugar substitute or skip the brown sugar altogether. These small changes can keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking. For a sweeter version, try adding a bit more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup. Another option is to mix in some barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. These ideas will create a fun spin on the classic Sloppy Joe flavor. To make a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans instead of chicken. Cook them with the same veggies and spices. For a vegan option, replace the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version and use plant-based buns. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture. With these swaps, you can enjoy Sloppy Joes without meat, while keeping the flavor bold and tasty. After you enjoy your Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the mixture cool down first. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Your Sloppy Joes will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat again, simply reheat the chicken mixture. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to help it heat evenly. Stir it often until it's hot. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots and keeps it tasty. Freezing is a great option if you want to keep your Sloppy Joes longer. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out any air before sealing. Your Sloppy Joes can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above, and enjoy a quick meal later! You can serve these Sloppy Joes with easy sides. I like crispy sweet potato fries. They add a nice crunch. A fresh garden salad is also great. The cool veggies balance the warm sandwich. You might try coleslaw for extra texture and flavor. Baked beans are a classic choice too. They pair well with the savory chicken mix. The chicken is done when it turns white and no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). When you break apart the meat, the juices should run clear. This means the chicken is safe to eat. Always check in the thickest part of the meat for accuracy. Yes, you can make Sloppy Joes ahead of time. Cook the chicken mixture and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes dinner quick and easy on busy nights. In this post, I covered the essentials of making Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes. You learned about key ingredients, kitchen tools, and step-by-step cooking. I shared tips to enhance flavors and suggested delicious variations. Storing leftovers and answering common questions helped wrap it all up. Ground chicken Sloppy Joes are tasty, easy, and fun to make. Enjoy creating your own twist on this classic dish!

Zesty Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

A flavorful and zesty take on the classic Sloppy Joes made with ground chicken and a tangy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 pieces hamburger buns
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and aromatic.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is fully browned and no longer pink.
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  • If desired, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or toaster until golden brown. Once prepared, slice the buns in half.
  • Assemble your Sloppy Joes by spooning a generous portion of the zesty chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If you’re using cilantro, sprinkle a few fresh leaves on top for added flavor and color.
  • Serve immediately, providing the top half of the bun alongside for guests to complete their Sloppy Joes to their liking.

Notes

Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing garden salad.
Keyword easy dinner, ground chicken, sloppy joes