Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are a tangy and spicy twist on the classic Sloppy Joes recipe. This quick and easy dish features shredded chicken coated in a bold buffalo sauce, served on soft buns. Itโs the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or game-day celebrations.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: The zesty buffalo sauce combined with tender chicken creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile: Perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or as a party snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add toppings to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: Even though itโs spicy, the sweetness of the sauce makes it appealing to younger taste buds too.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Onion
- Garlic
- Buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Soft sandwich buns
- Butter
- Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbles, shredded lettuce, or sliced green onions
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
- Sautรฉ diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until fully browned.
- Stir in the buffalo sauce, mixing until the chicken is fully coated. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast the buns in a separate pan with a little butter until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes by spooning the buffalo chicken mixture onto the toasted buns.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and add your desired toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or jackfruit as a substitute for chicken.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make it milder or hotter.
- Cheesy Addition: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Bun Alternatives: Serve on lettuce wraps or over baked potatoes for a low-carb option.
- Extra Toppings: Add crispy bacon, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeรฑos for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or sauce if the mixture seems dry.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just heat it with the buffalo sauce until warmed through.
2. What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
You can substitute barbecue sauce or a combination of hot sauce and melted butter for a similar flavor.
3. Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?
Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
4. Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat just before assembling the sandwiches.
5. What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes?
Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad.
6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns or serve the mixture in lettuce wraps.
7. Whatโs the best way to toast the buns?
Brush them with butter and toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
8. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet or in batches if needed.
9. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, you can reduce the buffalo sauce for a milder flavor that kids will enjoy.
10. Can I add vegetables to the chicken mixture?
Yes, diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers can be sautรฉed with the onions and garlic for added texture and nutrition.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy meal that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the comfort of a classic Sloppy Joe. With versatile variations and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether for a quick dinner or a game-day treat, these sandwiches are a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes combine the tangy, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce with juicy ground chicken, all served on a toasted bun. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe and will be a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: crumbled blue cheese, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sautรฉ until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto toasted buns. Add optional toppings like crumbled blue cheese or green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favorite chips.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce and add a little more ranch dressing.
- You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free option.
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