Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: Get ready to ditch the boring weeknight dinners because I’m about to introduce you to a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo wings combined with the comforting, messy goodness of a classic sloppy joe. Sounds amazing, right?

While the exact origins of the sloppy joe are debated, its roots are firmly planted in American comfort food history, likely evolving from loose meat sandwiches served in the early 20th century. My version takes this beloved classic and gives it a fiery makeover, borrowing inspiration from the iconic Buffalo wing, a dish born in Buffalo, New York, and now a staple at sports bars and backyard barbecues across the nation.

What makes Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, shredded chicken is coated in a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, slightly sweet bun. People love this dish because it’s quick, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, family dinners, or any occasion where you want a delicious and fuss-free meal. Plus, who can resist that tangy, spicy kick? Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at sloppy joes the same way again!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for mixing in)
• 6 hamburger buns, split
• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, for serving
• Celery sticks, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Mixture:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly tender.
3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Season the chicken mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
5. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Add the brown sugar to the mixture. This will help balance the acidity of the buffalo sauce and add a touch of sweetness. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become!
8. If you’re using blue cheese, stir in the crumbled blue cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will add a creamy, tangy element to the sloppy joes.

Assembling the Sloppy Joes:

1. While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare the hamburger buns. You can lightly toast them if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
2. Once the chicken mixture is ready, spoon a generous amount of it onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
3. Top with the other half of the bun.
4. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Celery sticks are also a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the sloppy joes.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you like it really hot, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Chicken Substitute: You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of substitute you use.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can use shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese instead. Stir it into the chicken mixture during the last few minutes of simmering, or sprinkle it on top of the sloppy joes after assembling.
• Bun Options: Instead of hamburger buns, you can use slider buns, brioche buns, or even toasted bread slices.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Some other great options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sloppy joes.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the ground chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Freezer Friendly: The cooked chicken mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.
• Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or onion rings.
• Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it combines the classic comfort food of sloppy joes with the bold and spicy flavor of buffalo wings. The ground chicken is a lighter alternative to ground beef, but still provides plenty of protein. The combination of buffalo wing sauce, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The addition of brown sugar balances the acidity of the buffalo sauce and adds a touch of sweetness. The optional blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the spicy buffalo flavor. And the best part is, this recipe is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s customizable to your liking – you can adjust the spice level, cheese, and toppings to create your own unique version. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit! The key is to let the chicken mixture simmer for a good amount of time to allow the flavors to meld together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are so much more than just a quick weeknight meal; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes the comfort of a classic sloppy joe and kicks it up several notches with the irresistible tang and spice of buffalo chicken. Forget boring dinners – this is where it’s at! The combination of juicy shredded chicken, creamy blue cheese dressing, and that signature buffalo sauce zing is simply divine. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun. What’s not to love? But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Seriously, even on the busiest of evenings, you can whip up a batch of these in under 30 minutes. That’s a win in my book! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a game-day gathering, or just craving something satisfying and delicious, these Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to be a hit. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving these with a side of crispy coleslaw to cool down the heat and add a refreshing crunch. Celery sticks and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese dressing are also fantastic accompaniments. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your own taste preferences. Want to dial up the heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture. Prefer a milder flavor? Use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you use. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of blue cheese dressing, try ranch dressing or a creamy avocado ranch. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the sloppy joes before serving. Another fun variation is to use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken. Simply brown the ground chicken in a skillet before adding the other ingredients. You can also add some chopped celery and onion to the skillet for extra flavor. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, try serving the buffalo chicken mixture over lettuce wraps instead of buns. It’s a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I’m confident that once you try these Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes, they’ll become a regular part of your meal rotation. They’re just that good! So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate sloppy joe upgrade. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your sloppy joe adventures! Happy cooking!

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