Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes

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Are you a busy parent looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious dinner that your whole family will love? Look no further than ground chicken Sloppy Joes! As a mom of two hungry kids, I know how challenging it can be to find meals that are both healthy and flavorful while fitting into a hectic schedule. 

These ground chicken Sloppy Joes are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, providing an alternative to traditional beef Sloppy Joes without sacrificing taste. Plus, they’re versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your household. 

Why Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes?

There are many different types of sloppy joe recipes and using ground chicken is just another one of those variations you can use to change things up. The chicken will be lower in saturated fat content if that is something you or your family are focused on. 

Ground chicken will also absorb flavors well and this recipe has a lot of them! The spice from the jalapeno and the sweetness from pineapple (yes, just trust me!) balances beautifully. 

Another benefit to consider is that ground chicken costs less than ground beef. Sure, you can buy the ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale (and I recommend that) but right now, you may need your weekly bill to be less. That’s why trying a small variation on a classic can really not only open your eyes to new options but save you money to boot.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

• Bell pepper – You’ll only need half so slice the other half for a lunch side, or add one slice to each kids plate 
• Crushed pineapple
• Jalapeno – If you’re concerned about spice, you can leave this out.
• Crushed tomatoes – You’ll only need half of a 28 oz jar so use the rest for a homemade pizza sauce later in the week! This works well with Italian seasoning, a bit of sugar and a little soy sauce added in and spread of naan, English muffins, or bagel pizzas too.
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard – Any that you have in the fridge is fine
• Brown sugar
• Ground chicken – If you want a plate based alternative, cook up one cup of dry lentils in broth and use them instead.
• Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic – The recipe calls for three cloves but you can measure with your heart
• Water
• Flax meal – This will help thicken the sauce and increase the fiber content
• Buns for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the ground chicken sloppy joe recipe together, shall we?

Step 1: Dice the bell pepper as small as you can. Dice the jalapeno if using and mince the garlic. Add all of these to a pan with a drizzle of oil. I love using avocado oil! Saute them for 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add and brown the ground chicken. Ground chicken cooks differently than ground beef. I recommend you spread it out on the pan, break it apart and let it brown on one side before flipping and breaking it apart some more.

Step 3: Add all remaining ingredients except for the flax meal. Saute until the mixture is simmering and allow it to simmer gently for about five minutes. It will appear a bit soupy!

Step 4: Pour and stir in the flax meal and allow the sauce to thicken for a few more minutes. 

Step 5: Serve over buns! See below for kid friendly serving ideas.

Serving Suggestions

Look, most people just put their sloppy joe on a bun and call it a day. But if you want a couple of suggestions from a dietitian, here’s what I would recommend.

• Try a whole grain bun for increased mineral consumption and a boost of fiber
• Sprinkle hemp hearts on or into the mixture before loading the bun
• Add fresh veggies to the bun like you would a hamburger 
• Serve with roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, or maybe a quinoa salad
• Simple side salads like coleslaw or a crunch apricot pear salad 

Kid-Friendly Modifications

Do you have a kid that’s a bit more selective right now? Try some of these suggestions or modifications.

• Serve the components separately so they can either make their own bun/sloppy joe combo or eat the components on their own
• Allow them to fill their own plate
• Follow the Division of Responsibility, you serve the food but they choose what and how much to eat
• Add cheese as a topping or side
• A fun set of cutlery or plates can help aid in kids feeling more excited about sitting at the table
• Serve it with two sides they know and love. We often use bread/butter, apple sauce, or yogurt as a trusted side dish. 
• For any new food, consider serving a tablespoon amount so it’s not overwhelming.

Realistic expectations are also important! Forcing a kid to take a bite, try something, or finish their plates are all ways that will take away their autonomy. Food is a main area that kids want to showcase their autonomy because they see it as a place they have a say.

Meal Planning, Prepping and Storage Tips

If you need help meal planning, consider taking my free five day email course. I’ll teach you the steps you need to take in order to make a meal plan every week in under 20 minutes without stress! Sounds pretty good right? Start it here!

Meal Prep Suggestions

Need dinner to come together faster? Try out any of these meal prep strategies if you choose to add these ground chicken sloppy joes to your next meal plan.

• Cook the mixture the night before or a few days in advance
• Dice the bell pepper and jalapeno ahead of time
• Pre measure ingredients so you can add them quickly when the time comes
• Pre-cut any produce you serve on the side
• Make ahead the sides like a salad 
• Make sure you’ve taken meat out of the freezer the night before

Storage Tips

These sloppy joes will last about 7 days in the fridge if sealed in an airtight container. The mixture also freezes well in airtight containers or freezer bags. The mixture is good for up to three months in the freezer.

As an FYI, when you add things to your freezer it’s best to also add them to a running inventory of food you have on hand. Using this inventory in your meal planning sessions will be a game changer for saving money and reducing waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use ground turkey, beef, etc?

Of course! It’s sloppy joes, probably one of the more forgiving things you can cook. Use whatever works for you and your family. 

What’s a good plant based alternative or can I go half and half?

You could use cooked lentils or ground up tofu for a full plant based swap. Otherwise, use half a pound of meat and one of the plant based alternatives to go halfsies. 

My mixture is still watery, now what?

You could add 1-2 tbsp more of the flax meal at a time. Allow it to simmer (no-lid) for an additional 5 minutes and evaluate from there.

My mixture is too thick, what can I do?

You can add 1-2 tbsp of water or broth to thin it out gradually. Remember, you can always add more so add it slowly and stir/let it settle in between adding more liquid.

Wrapping things up

Ground chicken Sloppy Joes are a fantastic option for busy parents who want to put a healthy, delicious meal on the table quickly. This recipe is not only simple and nutritious but also versatile enough to please everyone in your family. I hope this meal becomes a go-to in your household as it has in mine!

If you’re looking for more support with meal planning and cooking for your family, I invite you to join my free community. Here, you’ll find a wealth of resources, tips, and support from other parents who are also navigating the challenges of family mealtime. Together, we can make meal planning less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Sign-up today!