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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 pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef. Both work well and taste great. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns. For a low-sugar choice, opt for sugar-free ketchup. You can also replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. Don't have smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do, though it will change the flavor slightly. Each serving has about 320 calories. It includes 20g of protein, 10g of fat, and 38g of carbs. This recipe is a good source of vitamins from the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. The fresh cilantro adds extra nutrients too. Adjusting sauce and bun choices can change these numbers, so keep that in mind when planning meals. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your veggies. You need one small onion and one red bell pepper. Finely chop the onion. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about three to four minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for one to two minutes until you smell the garlic. Now it’s time for the star of the dish: the ground chicken. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground chicken into the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about five to six minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Make sure the chicken is not pink anymore. This step is key to a safe and tasty meal. While the chicken cooks, grab a mixing bowl. You’ll mix the sauce ingredients here. Add half a cup of ketchup, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Then, stir in two teaspoons of brown sugar, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cumin. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it’s well combined. Once the chicken is ready, pour the sauce over it in the skillet. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for about five minutes. This thickens the sauce and warms all the flavors. Your Sloppy Joes are almost ready! To cook ground chicken perfectly, heat your skillet well. Use medium-high heat to help brown the meat. Break the chicken apart as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. Ensure there are no pink bits left in the meat. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that juicy texture! Seasoning is key to a great sloppy joe. Start with salt and pepper. They are simple but make a big difference. The smoked paprika adds a nice touch of warmth. Don't forget the brown sugar; it balances the tangy ketchup and vinegar well. Mix in cumin for depth. This blend gives your dish flavor that sings! The right bun can elevate your sloppy joes. I love using classic hamburger buns. They hold the filling well and add a soft texture. Toasting the buns makes them crispy. You can do this in a skillet or under the broiler. Try whole wheat buns for a healthier option. Or go for brioche for a richer taste. Toasted buns add a lovely crunch to each bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your Sloppy Joes, making them more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix for an extra kick. Experiment with Buns: Try using different types of buns, like brioche or whole wheat, to add a unique twist to your Sloppy Joes. Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving! {{image_2}} You can make your Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes healthier. Use whole wheat buns instead of regular ones. Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients. It also helps you feel full longer. For the sauce, try low-sugar ketchup. This option cuts down on added sugars. You still get that sweet taste without the guilt. If you love heat, spice up your Sloppy Joes! Add diced jalapeños to the mix. They bring a nice kick and flavor. You can also drizzle some hot sauce into the sauce mixture. This way, you control how spicy it gets. Adjust it to your taste. Your guests will love the added thrill. Want a vegan twist on this dish? Swap the ground chicken for lentils or chickpeas. Cook lentils until soft, then mix them with your sauce. If using chickpeas, mash them slightly for a meat-like texture. Both options are packed with protein and fiber. They will still fill you up and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the flavors while sticking to a plant-based diet. To store leftover Sloppy Joes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made them. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, place the Sloppy Joes in a bowl. Cover it loosely with a paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, put the mixture in a pan. Heat over low to medium heat until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. If you want to save Sloppy Joes for later, freezing is a smart choice. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag or container with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the methods mentioned earlier. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! You can serve Sloppy Joes with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Sweet potato fries - Crispy salad - Coleslaw - Potato chips - Pickles These sides balance the flavors of the Sloppy Joes. They add texture and crunch too. You can mix and match based on what you enjoy. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. It is perfect for meal prep. 1. Cook the Sloppy Joes as normal. 2. Let the mixture cool down. 3. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Then just toast your buns when you're ready to eat! To make Sloppy Joes less messy, follow these tips: - Use sturdy buns. Look for whole grain or brioche buns. - Serve the filling on the bottom half first. - Use a spoon to help keep the filling in place. These tricks help keep the filling from spilling out. You can enjoy your meal without the mess! This blog post explored the key ingredients and easy steps to make Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes. I shared tips for perfect cooking and creative variations, from healthy swaps to spicy twists. Remember, storage methods help keep your meals fresh for later. You can make this dish your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and options. With the right steps, you will impress everyone at the table. Let your kitchen be a place of fun and tasty creations!

Zesty Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

A flavorful twist on classic Sloppy Joes made with ground chicken and zesty ingredients.
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 pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • for garnish fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the ground chicken. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
  • Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Then, spoon the mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, and top with fresh cilantro if using.
  • Serve immediately with the top half of the bun alongside, allowing everyone to assemble their Sloppy Joes as they wish.

Notes

Consider serving with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad.
Keyword easy recipe, ground chicken, sloppy joes