Description
Spicy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes! Ground chicken simmered in a tangy buffalo sauce, served on toasted buns with blue cheese or ranch. A quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the chicken mixture with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
- Pour in the buffalo wing sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the brown sugar to the mixture. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- 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.
- If using blue cheese, stir in the crumbled blue cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare the hamburger buns. You can lightly toast them if you prefer.
- Once the chicken mixture is ready, spoon a generous amount of it onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Celery sticks are also a great accompaniment.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Chicken Substitute: You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes