The Juiciest Saucy Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe Ever

Craving a hearty meal that brings comfort with every saucy shredded chicken sloppy joes bite?

Messy meals pack serious flavor potential for weekend gatherings.

My kitchen experiments always lead to delightful surprises like this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Soft buns cradle tender, spiced chicken that falls apart beautifully.

Seasoned home cooks understand the magic of simple ingredients combined thoughtfully.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that make everyone smile.

Grab napkins and dive into this delicious adventure waiting on your plate.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the star ingredient of these sloppy joes.

• Ketchup, Water, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: A combination of sweet, tangy, and savory condiments that create a rich and complex sauce base.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic touch to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle flavor.
• Chopped Onion: Brings depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sloppy joes.

• Sandwich Buns: A soft and sturdy vessel for holding the saucy shredded chicken mixture.

Steps To Make Saucy Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Fire Up the Flavor Base

Drizzle olive oil into a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Create a Tangy Sauce Symphony

• Ketchup
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and harmonious.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Fold shredded chicken into the saucy mixture, ensuring every strand gets a luxurious coating of flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the chicken and sauce mingle and bubble gently, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken and become rich, which takes about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Final Touch

Splash in apple cider vinegar and stir, then remove the pan from heat. This adds a bright, tangy finish to the dish.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Lightly toast sandwich buns until they’re golden and crisp. Heap the saucy chicken onto the buns and serve immediately while everything is warm and delicious.

Tips To Keep Chicken Sloppy Joes Juicy And Flavorful

• Swap chicken with pulled jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same saucy, tangy flavor profile.
• Reduce brown sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet sauce, or substitute with honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Enhance the dish's protein content by adding black beans or lentils directly into the chicken mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• Create a meal prep-friendly option by storing the saucy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating quickly for fast weeknight dinners.
• Experiment with different bread options like whole wheat buns, pretzel rolls, or lettuce wraps to suit various dietary preferences and add exciting variety to the classic sloppy joe.

Tasty Twists On Chicken Sloppy Joes You’ll Love

• Spicy Southwest Sloppy Joes: Replace Dijon mustard with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Sloppy Joes: Swap ketchup for tomato paste, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Serve on toasted ciabatta bread for a Greek-style transformation.
• BBQ Ranch Chicken Sloppy Joes: Substitute ketchup with smoky barbecue sauce, mix in ranch seasoning, and top with crispy bacon bits for a crowd-pleasing backyard cookout flavor.

Great Pairings For Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Fresh, crisp cabbage slaw cuts through the rich, saucy chicken, adding bright crunch and balancing the dish's bold flavors.
• Complement with Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned, golden potato wedges provide a perfect textural contrast and soak up the delicious sloppy joe sauce.
• Match with Craft Beer Pairing: A hoppy pale ale or amber beer's maltiness and slight bitterness beautifully enhance the smoky, sweet notes in the chicken.
• Cool Down with Creamy Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill offers a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, zesty sloppy joe filling.

How To Store Sloppy Joes Without Losing Sauce

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Storage: Pack cooled sloppy joe mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot throughout.

All Your Chicken Sloppy Joe Questions Answered

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are perfect. They’re already cooked and easily shredded, saving you preparation time.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and tangy sauce with tender chicken makes it appealing to children. Most kids enjoy the sloppy, messy eating experience.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the chicken mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Why Saucy Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes Are Messy And Marvelous

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This saucy shredded chicken sloppy joe recipe brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that appeal to all taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making it a versatile dish that adapts to different palates and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that doesn't require hours of cooking.
• No-Fuss Cooking Technique: Minimal ingredients and simple sautéing and simmering steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs.

Saucy Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 22–23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Saucy Shredded Chicken Sloppy Joes bring comfort and zest to your dinner table. Hearty, spicy, and perfectly messy, this classic sandwich promises a flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 sandwich buns

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a medium-heat saucepan, gently sautéing chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Create a robust sauce by combining ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the pan with the onions.
3. Introduce shredded chicken into the sauce, thoroughly coating each strand with the flavorful mixture, ensuring complete integration.
4. Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote sauce thickening.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating apple cider vinegar, stirring to distribute the tangy element throughout the mixture.
6. Remove the pan from heat, letting the sauce develop its final consistency and richness.
7. Lightly toast sandwich buns to provide a crisp foundation for the saucy chicken filling.
8. Generously pile the warm, saucy chicken onto the toasted buns, creating an indulgent and messy sandwich experience.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting smoked paprika and black pepper for spice enthusiasts or those preferring milder flavors.
• Substitute chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or shredded tofu for vegetarian and vegan diet variations.
• Enhance meal nutrition by adding finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots directly into the sauce for extra vegetables and texture.
• Select whole wheat or gluten-free buns to accommodate different dietary preferences and increase fiber content.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17–18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg