Irresistible Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Discover the joy of homemade Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders, a perfect blend of juicy chicken, savory spices, smoked turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese tucked inside soft slider buns. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something comforting and flavorful, these sliders bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite, packed with robust taste and a satisfying texture. This recipe is a guaranteed hit for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a quick yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: A harmonious mix of spices and smoked turkey bacon creates an irresistibly savory profile that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
• Juicy and tender: Ground chicken stays moist and succulent thanks to the natural gelling agent-based sauce that perfectly binds the ingredients.
• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences without compromising taste or texture.
• Ideal for entertaining: Perfect slider size makes them great for parties or casual get-togethers where finger foods shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each contributing to the rich, layered taste and perfect texture of your Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders. Combining fresh produce, ground chicken, and flavorful plant-based components will elevate each slider into a delicious meal.

• Ground chicken: The protein-packed base that stays juicy and tender for a satisfying bite.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that complements the spiced chicken perfectly.
• Onion and bell peppers: Provide sweetness and color to balance savory flavors with a bit of freshness.
• Garlic (natural): Infuses a warm depth that lifts the whole dish.
• Tomato sauce (natural): Creates the rich, tangy foundation for the sloppy joe filling.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity without overpowering the natural flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that brightens the hearty sauce.
• Brown sugar (natural): Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness for harmonious flavor.
• Smoked turkey slices: Optional layering for extra flavor and texture surprises inside the sliders.
• Plant-based cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy texture that complements the spicy-sweet chicken.
• Slider buns: Soft but sturdy to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps achieve that irresistible sauciness, perfectly binding all ingredients together.

Variations for Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders

Feel free to put your own spin on these sliders! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch up ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing any of its charm or flavor.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick that wakes up your palate.
• Cheese swap: Use your favorite plant-based cheese varieties, like sharp cheddar (plant-based) or smoky gouda (plant-based), for different melty goodness.
• Veggie boost: Toss in finely chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots for added texture and nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free slider buns, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry.
• Sweet and tangy glaze: Mix some grape juice with brown sugar (natural) and brush the buns before toasting for a delightful glaze.

How to Make Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the onion and bell peppers finely to ensure they blend beautifully with the ground chicken. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and chop into bite-sized pieces. Grate or slice your plant-based cheese so it’s ready to melt over the sliders.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic (natural) and cook until fragrant, then stir in the ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks through.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

To the cooked chicken, add tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), and a small amount of natural gelling agent. Stir continuously to create a thick and luscious sauce that clings to the meat. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice your slider buns and layer the cooked smoked turkey bacon and smoked turkey slices on the bottom half. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken sloppy joe mixture on top, then crown with melty plant-based cheese. Place the buns on a baking sheet and toast under a broiler or in the oven briefly until the cheese softens.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sliders carefully, let them cool just enough to hold comfortably, and serve with your favorite sides or garnishes for an unforgettable meal.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders

• Use fresh ground chicken: For the best texture and juiciness, opt for fresh rather than frozen ground chicken.
• Low and slow simmer: Allow the sauce to thicken gradually on low heat to deepen the flavors.
• Don’t skip the natural gelling agent: It ensures the perfect sticky, saucy consistency that makes these sliders addictive.
• Toast buns just before serving: This prevents sogginess, giving a delightful crunch with every bite.
• Customize spice level: Adjust seasonings according to your family’s preferences, making it milder or bolder as you like.

How to Serve Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders

Garnishes

Add crisp pickle slices, fresh lettuce leaves, or thin rings of red onion to add texture and brighten the flavors, making each bite refreshing and balanced.

Side Dishes

Pair these sliders with classic coleslaw for crunch, sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness, or a simple green salad to lighten the meal without taking away from the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce and pickled veggies for a party-friendly, colorful spread that invites guests to dig in and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep slider buns separate to maintain their texture and freshness.

Freezing

The cooked chicken mixture freezes beautifully in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy the freshest taste.

Reheating

Warm the sloppy joe filling gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, and toast the slider buns before assembling to bring back that freshly-made charm.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat for these sliders?

Absolutely! While ground chicken keeps these sliders light and juicy, you can substitute ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different twist.

How spicy are Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders?

They’re moderately seasoned with warm spices to be flavorful but not overpowering, making them kid-friendly. You can easily adjust the heat by adding or omitting spicy ingredients.

Can I make the recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe already uses plant-based cheese, making it a great option for those avoiding dairy.

What size slider buns work best?

Choose small, soft buns that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without getting soggy, typically around 2-3 inches in diameter.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and toast the sliders just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about sinking your teeth into juicy, flavorful Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring loved ones together over a meal that is both fun and packed with tasty layers. Don’t hesitate to make this your go-to dish for easy weeknight dinners or casual celebrations; it will quickly become one of your favorites, just like it did for me!

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