Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: A Game Day Classic Reimagined
A spicy-sweet sandwich twist that makes gatherings flavorful without extra work.
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss
If you love the fiery zip of buffalo wings and the comforting, messy experience of a classic sloppy joe, then this recipe delivers the best of both worlds. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes take all the spicy, saucy pleasure of traditional buffalo chicken and transform it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing sandwich filling. With easy prep, slow cooker adaptability, and endless topping ideas, it’s no wonder these sandwiches are a game day favorite.
Below, explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving tips, and answers to common questions, all organized for maximum ease and inspiration.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Bold buffalo flavor – chicken simmered with tangy buffalo and rich tomato sauce gives you the classic wing taste in every bite.
- Versatile and crowd-friendly – Perfect for parties, weeknights, or laying out on a slow cooker for game day.
- Customizable toppings – Serve with crumbled blue cheese, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for a creamy counterpoint to the heat.
- Family-friendly – Adjustable spice levels and alternative meat options make this recipe work for anyone.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 8 sandwiches |
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 lb ground chicken (turkey may substitute)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
- Crumbled blue cheese, for serving
- Ranch dressing, for serving
- Blue cheese dressing, for serving
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Add garlic and chicken: Toss in the chopped garlic and cook about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until the meat is crumbly and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Simmer with sauces: Stir in the tomato sauce, buffalo sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: Pile the hot, saucy filling onto hamburger buns. Top with crumbled blue cheese and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing as desired.
Slow Cooker Option
- After cooking, let the filling cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
- At least 2 hours before serving, transfer filling to a slow cooker set on low. Stir occasionally until hot (1–2 hours). Perfect for parties or keeping dinner warm.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Ground chicken offers a lean, neutral base, letting the buffalo flavor shine. For a richer taste and firmer texture, ground turkey works well.
- Vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) form a classic flavor base, adding subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Buffalo sauce is the key to the spicy, tangy flavor. Use your favorite store brand, or homemade if desired.
- Honey or brown sugar balances out the heat, enhancing the complex flavor profile.
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing adds creamy coolness atop the filling. Choose based on personal preference.
- Buns: Sturdy hamburger buns or bakery rolls resist the saucy filling, keeping the sandwich together.
- Optional extras: Add lettuce, extra celery slaw, or pickle chips for crunch and freshness.
- Pro tip: If the cooked chicken looks watery after browning, drain excess liquid before adding sauces for the correct consistency.
Topping and Side Ideas
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes with toppings and sides that round out their bold flavor:
- Crumbled blue cheese or blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing
- Lettuce leaves or celery slaw for crunch
- Pickle chips
- Baked potato chips
- Classic coleslaw
- Macaroni salad or potato salad
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance; store airtight in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The filling can be frozen up to 3 months. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
What others are reading
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Buffalo Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for chicken for a subtle flavor change.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth—skip Worcestershire or use a vegetarian substitute.
- Extra Hot: Add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of buffalo sauce.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce buffalo sauce and amp up the sweetness with a little extra honey.
Sloppy Joe vs. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe
| Classic Sloppy Joe | Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe |
|---|---|
| Ground beef base | Ground chicken (or turkey) base |
| Ketchup/brown sugar sauce | Buffalo sauce/tomato sauce/honey |
| Often includes green bell pepper | Includes onion, carrot, and celery |
| Creamy cheese topping optional | Blue cheese/ranch standard topping |
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes. Prepare and refrigerate the filling up to two days ahead. Reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. The flavors deepen over time!
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
How do I keep my sloppy joes from getting soggy?
Drain excess liquid from the cooked ground chicken, and always serve immediately after assembling sandwiches for best texture.
What toppings work best?
Crumbled blue cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic, but lettuce, tomatoes, celery slaw, or a sprinkle of green onions can add crunch and freshness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free buns and ensure all store-bought sauces are certified gluten-free.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Toast buns lightly before piling on filling to help them hold up to the sauce.
- Serve sandwiches with extra napkins—the messy fun is part of the experience!
- Offer toppings buffet-style for guests to customize their sandwich.
- Pair with crunchy sides like chips, slaw, or veggie sticks for balance.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Calories | ~237 |
| Protein | High (thanks to ground chicken) |
| Carbohydrates | Moderate |
| Fat | Moderate, customizable with toppings |
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe Success Tips
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Adjust heat level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- Blue cheese adds classic tang, but ranch can make the recipe more approachable for some guests.
- Keep a slow cooker on hand for parties or easy reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes spicy?
A: The filling has a pronounced kick from buffalo sauce, but you can control the spice level by using mild sauce or reducing the amount. Blue cheese and ranch toppings help balance the heat.
Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead for a party?
A: Yes—chill the cooked filling, reheat in a slow cooker, and serve on buns just before guests arrive. This makes the recipe perfect for entertaining.
Q: What sides go best with Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes?
A: Serve with kettle-cooked chips, coleslaw, potato salad, or crisp veggies for a balanced, classic meal.
Q: Can I freeze the buffalo chicken sloppy joe filling?
A: Yes. Cool completely, freeze up to three months, and thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Q: What if I don’t like blue cheese?
A: Swap out blue cheese for ranch dressing, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder bite.
Try It Tonight
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes offer everything you love about buffalo wings—bold spice, crave-worthy tang, and cool, creamy toppings—in a family-friendly, easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re celebrating game day, hosting friends, or just looking for an exciting sandwich night, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal fuss.
Quick Recap:
- Prep takes under 15 minutes, with total cooking time of about 35 minutes.
- Feeds a crowd—yielding 8 hearty sandwiches.
- Offers endless variations and make-ahead convenience for stress-free hosting.
Give these saucy, spicy sandwiches a try, and bring game day excitement to your kitchen any night of the week!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a44566624/buffalo-chicken-sloppy-joes-recipe/
- https://www.dvo.com/newsletter/weekly/2023/9-8-223/cooknart4.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11699/sloppy-joes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g38686285/buffalo-chicken-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g66336342/best-fall-chicken-recipes/
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