Ground chicken sloppy Joes are a lighter twist on the classic beef version. These sandwiches are just as satisfying, delivering the familiar sweet-and-tangy flavors in a leaner package.
If you have ground chicken in the fridge or want a change from ground beef, this ground chicken sloppy Joes recipe is an easy, flavorful option. It takes just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
The ground chicken lightens the dish without sacrificing the rich tang and sweetness that make sloppy Joes so comforting. With simple seasonings—ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika—you’ll get a well-balanced filling that clings to the bun and satisfies everyone at the table.
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Ground chicken: I prefer 92% lean ground chicken because it has a bit more flavor and tenderness than the ultra-lean 99% variety. Both will work, but 92% gives a better texture and mouthfeel.
- Onion: A sweet onion adds a milder, sweeter onion flavor that complements the sauce. If you don’t have a sweet onion, a yellow onion is a fine substitute.
Step by step photos
Step 1
Brown the ground chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, then add the diced onion and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 2
Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, water and smoked paprika. Combine well so the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
Step 3
Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture until it thickens to your preferred consistency, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Pile the hot sloppy Joe filling onto toasted buns and serve immediately.
Pro tip:
Break it up!
As you brown the chicken, break it into very small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. The smaller the pieces, the more surface area for the sauce to cling to, resulting in a moist, flavorful filling.
Tips and tricks
- If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey or pork make excellent alternatives and will work with the same seasonings.
- Yield varies with portion size: this recipe serves roughly 4 to 6 people. Larger appetites will reduce the number of sandwiches.
- If the sauce seems too sweet, balance it with an extra splash of mustard or a little vinegar. To deepen flavor, simmer longer to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. The filling keeps well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Store it in a covered container and reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.
These sandwiches go well with a crisp green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or classic sides like french fries or potato chips. Simple, fresh sides help balance the rich, saucy filling.
📖 Recipe
Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
A quick, family-friendly dinner that delivers classic sloppy Joe flavor using ground chicken. Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 4–6 buns, depending on portion)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (454 g) ground chicken (92% lean preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup (204 g) ketchup
- ½ cup (118 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular/chili powder)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4–6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium (11–12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and begin to brown, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the finely diced onion. Cook 4–5 minutes more, until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, water and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: toast the buns while the filling simmers for added texture.
- Divide the filling among buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using 92% lean ground chicken yields a more flavorful, tender result, though 99% lean will also work.
- Portions depend on how generously you fill each bun; expect 4–6 servings.
Storage and reheating
- Refrigerate cooled leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place cooled filling in an airtight freezer bag for 2–3 months.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered container, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition (estimate)
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 309
- Sugar: 9.6 g
- Sodium: 764 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Nutrition figures are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.