Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe for Game Day Fun

Tangy buffalo sauce takes these sloppy joes to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Biting into a messy, spicy sandwich that makes your taste buds dance with excitement.

Your kitchen will soon smell like a game day feast waiting to happen.

Classic comfort food gets a fiery makeover that speaks directly to spice lovers.

Juicy ground chicken combines with zesty hot sauce for an unexpected twist on the traditional sloppy joe.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a napkin and get ready to dive into this flavor-packed meal that’ll become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Are Packed With Flavor

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: Buffalo chicken sloppy joes transform boring ground chicken into a flavor-packed meal that kicks traditional sloppy joes up several notches with zesty Buffalo sauce.
• Quickest Comfort Food Hack: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy families who want delicious, restaurant-style flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily personalize the sloppy joes by swapping toppings like blue cheese, ranch dressing, or adding extra hot sauce for heat lovers, ensuring everyone at the table gets their perfect meal.
• Healthier Protein Power Meal: Ground chicken provides a leaner protein option compared to beef, while still delivering maximum taste and satisfying hunger with a protein-rich, low-fat alternative to standard sloppy joe recipes.

What You’ll Need For Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the sloppy joe, brings hearty texture and absorbs buffalo flavors well.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the chicken flavor in the sauce.

• Buffalo Sauce: Signature spicy and tangy flavor that defines the dish's character.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and umami undertones to the overall flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: Helps thicken the sauce and adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds a savory foundation for the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity and subtle warmth to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Hamburger Buns: Classic vessel for serving sloppy joe mixture.
• Blue Cheese, Ranch Dressing: Creamy toppings that complement the spicy buffalo chicken.

Steps To Make Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Fast

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil and add ground chicken. Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, cooking until it turns golden and completely done. The chicken should look crispy and separated into small, delectable pieces.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft. Let the garlic dance in the pan for a minute, releasing its incredible aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Buffalo sauce
• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to bubble and thicken. Let it simmer gently, developing a rich and tangy sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

• Blue cheese dressing
• Ranch dressing
• Optional toppings like chopped green onions or crispy celery bits

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these messy, flavor-packed sandwiches immediately. Pair with crispy French fries, crunchy potato chips, or a refreshing green salad. Get ready for a flavor adventure that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Juicy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, from mild to extra hot for different taste preferences.
• Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for alternative protein options without changing core recipe.
• Healthier Bun Alternatives: Use whole wheat buns, lettuce wraps, or low-carb tortillas to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Quick Meal Prep: Prepare Buffalo chicken mixture ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
• Cheese Enhancement: Crumble additional blue cheese on top or mix ranch and blue cheese for a creamy, tangy flavor boost that complements the spicy chicken.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes And Keep Them Tasty

• Refrigerate: Transfer Buffalo chicken mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Pack cooled chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place buffalo chicken in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated completely.

What To Serve With Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Zesty Brew Pairing: Crack open a cold, crisp IPA to complement the spicy Buffalo chicken. The hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness and matches the bold hot sauce flavor perfectly.
• Cool Down with Dip: Serve a creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. These cooling sauces balance the heat and add an extra layer of tangy deliciousness to each messy bite.
• Crunch Factor Sidekick: Pair with crispy waffle fries or kettle chips for a satisfying textural contrast. The crunchy side will provide a great counterpoint to the saucy, tender chicken mixture.
• Fresh Palate Cleanser: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic greens will help refresh your taste buds between those spicy, messy sloppy joe bites.

Switch Up Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes With These Ideas

• Spicy Ranch Remix: Replace Buffalo sauce with ranch dressing and add extra hot sauce for a creamy, zesty kick that brings new excitement to the classic Sloppy Joe.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Buffalo sauce for hummus and Greek yogurt, then mix in crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Southwest Spin: Trade Buffalo sauce for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then blend in corn kernels and black beans for a robust, southwestern flavor profile.
• Asian Inspired Upgrade: Switch Buffalo sauce with sweet chili sauce, add grated ginger, and top with pickled carrots and cilantro for an unexpected Asian-style transformation.

FAQs For Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes You’ll Want

• What makes Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes different from classic sloppy joes?

These sloppy joes kick up the flavor with spicy Buffalo sauce, giving a zesty, tangy twist to the traditional recipe. The Buffalo sauce adds a signature hot and bold flavor that transforms the classic comfort food.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy for kids or people who don't like heat?

Absolutely! You can adjust the Buffalo sauce quantity or use a mild hot sauce. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, allowing everyone to enjoy the delicious flavors without overwhelming spiciness.

• Is ground chicken a good substitute for ground beef in sloppy joes?

Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, offering a leaner protein option with the same great texture. It absorbs the Buffalo sauce flavors perfectly and creates a lighter, healthier version of the classic sloppy joe.

• What toppings work best with Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes?

Blue cheese or ranch dressing are classic choices that complement the Buffalo sauce perfectly. Additional toppings like sliced green onions, chopped celery, or a sprinkle of extra blue cheese crumbles can add extra crunch and flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 46 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken sloppy joes promise a flavor explosion that delights dinner crowds with zesty, messy perfection. Melted cheese and tangy sauce create an irresistible sandwich experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Serving Components:

• 4–6 hamburger buns, toasted
• crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
• shredded lettuce
• sliced pickles
• thinly sliced celery

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by heating a large skillet over medium temperature and sizzling ground chicken until completely browned and crumbled, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Introduce aromatic vegetables by gently sautéing diced onions until translucent, then incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant essence.
3. Create the signature Buffalo sauce blend by whisking together spicy Buffalo sauce, rich chicken broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, concentrated tomato paste, smoky paprika, and seasonings.
4. Merge the sauce mixture with the cooked chicken, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce, creating a thick, clingy consistency that coats the meat perfectly.
5. While the sauce develops, toast soft bun halves until they achieve a golden, crisp exterior that can withstand the robust filling.
6. Layer the fiery Buffalo chicken mixture generously onto the prepared buns, ensuring each sandwich receives an abundant portion of the zesty protein.
7. Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling cool blue cheese or creamy ranch dressing over the hot filling, creating a temperature and taste contrast.
8. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped celery, green onions, or additional hot sauce for those craving extra heat.
9. Serve immediately alongside crisp potato chips, golden french fries, or a refreshing green salad to balance the dish’s intense flavors.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options that maintain the recipe’s zesty flavor profile.
• Reduce Buffalo sauce intensity by mixing with Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a milder, creamier coating for sensitive palates.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding Buffalo sauce and tasting, allowing personalized heat adjustment without overwhelming the dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, ensuring all components are ready when needed for smooth recipe execution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 46
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg