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A close-up shows a delicious serving of Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes piled high on a toasted bun.

Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

This recipe transforms lean ground chicken into flavorful and satisfying sloppy joes. By focusing on building flavor with aromatics, spices, and a long simmer, this recipe delivers a comforting and delicious meal that rivals the classic beef version.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 hamburger buns

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Hamburger buns

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, making sure to crumble it well. Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in the ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
  7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  9. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of bacon fat when cooking the chicken. Toasting the hamburger buns lightly adds a nice textural contrast. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.