Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Sloppy Joe Chicken recipe! This twist on a classic delivers all the juicy, tangy goodness of a sloppy joe, but with a healthier, leaner protein source: chicken! It's perfect for busy weeknights, a casual family dinner, or even a fun lunch. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, providing a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Hamburger buns or slider buns, for serving
Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Serve the Sloppy Joe Chicken on hamburger buns or slider buns.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Chicken:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Make sure to cook it until it's just cooked through and still juicy.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sloppy joe, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, add more for a sweeter flavor.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes: Brown the chicken as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Sloppy Joe Chicken Bowls: Serve the chicken mixture over rice, quinoa, or your favorite salad greens for a healthier, lower-carb option.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Sloppy Joe Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this easy, homemade recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. It’s a surefire way to add a delicious and satisfying meal to your repertoire of best recipes!