Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold buffalo flavor with a classic sloppy joe twist
• Quick and easy to prepare in one skillet
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day meals
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• A lighter alternative to traditional beef sloppy joes
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Delicious balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground chicken
olive oil
onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
buffalo sauce
tomato sauce
chicken broth
brown sugar
worcestershire sauce
salt
black pepper
hamburger buns
blue cheese crumbles, optional
green onions, sliced
celery, finely diced, optional

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
5. Stir in the buffalo sauce, tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
8. Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired.
9. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the buns.
10. Top with blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, or diced celery if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and add a bit more tomato sauce to balance the heat.

You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred. It provides a similar texture and works well with the buffalo sauce.

For extra creaminess, drizzle ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the filling before serving.

To make the dish lower in carbs, serve the buffalo chicken mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns.

If you enjoy extra texture, add finely diced celery or shredded carrots to the skillet while cooking the onions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

If the mixture thickens too much during storage, add a small splash of chicken broth or water while reheating.

The filling can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

What type of buns work best?

Soft hamburger buns or brioche buns work best because they hold the saucy filling well.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply use less buffalo sauce or mix it with additional tomato sauce to reduce the heat.

Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken?

Yes, shredded cooked chicken can be used and will still absorb the buffalo sauce nicely.

What toppings go well with buffalo chicken sloppy joes?

Blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, sliced green onions, and diced celery are great options.

Can I freeze the buffalo chicken mixture?

Yes, the cooked filling freezes well for up to 2 months.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the buns before adding the filling helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the chicken mixture first in a skillet, then transfer it to a slow cooker on low to keep warm for serving.

Is ground turkey a good substitute?

Yes, ground turkey works well and provides a similar flavor and texture.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes bring a spicy and tangy twist to a classic sandwich favorite. With tender ground chicken simmered in bold buffalo sauce and served on soft buns, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether served for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these sloppy joes are sure to satisfy anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors.

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe

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Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy twist on a classic sandwich, featuring ground chicken simmered in a tangy buffalo-style sauce and served on soft buns. This quick skillet meal delivers bold flavor with a satisfying, messy bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Buffalo sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hamburger buns
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• Green onions, sliced
• Celery, finely diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground chicken and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned.
5. Stir in buffalo sauce, tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
8. Lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
9. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the buns.
10. Top with blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, or diced celery if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Reduce the buffalo sauce and add extra tomato sauce for a milder flavor.
• Ground turkey can be used instead of ground chicken.
• Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for extra creaminess.
• Serve the mixture in lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
• Add diced celery or shredded carrots to the skillet for additional texture.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze the filling for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg