Chicken Sloppy Joes - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chicken Sloppy Joes

35 min4583 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

sandwiches-wrapssloppy-joes-chickenchicken-sloppy-joes

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Deglaze With Ketchup

“After browning the ground chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of ketchup before adding tomato paste; the acidity lifts the browned bits, enriching the sauce’s texture and giving the Sloppy Joes a subtle tangy backbone.”

About This Recipe

Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing a uniquely Canadian flair to your dinner table. This recipe celebrates the tender juiciness of boneless skinless chicken breasts, enveloped in a rich and tangy sauce that perfectly balances the freshness of shredded lettuce and juicy tomatoes. It's a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with bold flavours that appeal to the entire family. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something special, making it a beloved choice among Canadian home cooks.

The charm of Chicken Sloppy Joes lies in their versatility and simplicity. You can whip them up in just 35 minutes, making them an ideal option for those who want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of the soft burger buns or tortillas with the succulent chicken filling creates a satisfying texture that is both hearty and inviting. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and once you try it, you'll understand why it’s one of our most requested recipes.

Tips for the Best Chicken Sloppy Joes

To ensure your Chicken Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). This guarantees juicy chicken without any dryness. Also, make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavour and texture of the dish. Don't rush the seasoning process; taste as you go to achieve that perfect balance.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Chicken Sloppy Joes hot, nestled inside soft burger buns or wrapped in warm tortillas. Top each serving with a generous handful of crisp shredded lettuce and slices of fresh tomatoes for added crunch. For a Canadian twist, pair these sandwiches with a side of poutine or a fresh cucumber salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A cold Canadian lager or a refreshing iced tea completes the meal beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Chicken Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also freeze the chicken filling for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Nutrition Per Serving

583
Calories
44g
Protein
23g
Fat
51g
Carbs
Fiber6g
Sugar6g
Sodium613mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?+

Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a great alternative, offering a different texture while still delivering that classic sloppy joe taste. Just cook it until it's browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

What kind of sauce works best for this recipe?+

A combination of mayonnaise and your favourite barbecue sauce creates a deliciously creamy and tangy base. Feel free to experiment with different sauces like sriracha for a kick or a honey mustard for sweetness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute effort.

What toppings can I add to my Chicken Sloppy Joes?+

You can get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced jalapeños for heat, shredded cheese for creaminess, or even avocado for a fresh twist. Just remember to keep it balanced with the main flavours.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?+

Yes! If you love a bit of heat, consider adding diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also spice up your toppings with pepper jack cheese or a sprinkle of cayenne.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
20 min
Total:
35 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Use a potato masher to break up ground chicken into finer pieces for a texture closer to traditional beef sloppy joes
  • 2Let the mixture simmer longer if too thin — it should be saucy but not runny enough to soak through the bun
  • 3Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days; flavors develop and intensify overnight, making leftovers even better
  • 4Toast buns with a light brush of butter for extra richness and to create a moisture barrier

Variations

  • Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar lean protein option
  • Add 125ml diced celery with the onions for extra crunch and vegetable content
  • Swap hamburger buns for brioche buns or serve over rice for a low-carb bowl option

Chicken Sandwiches & Wraps

Chicken Sloppy Joes

The Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe everyone keeps asking for. Here it is!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken Sloppy Joes - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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