Introduction
Craving a comforting, healthier version of cheesesteak? These chicken sloppy joe sliders are the perfect solution. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a stack of tender ground chicken topped with gooey cheese sauce, all nestled in soft whole wheat slider buns. Perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack, these sliders offer a satisfying blend of flavors without the heaviness.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
- These Chicken Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for a quick, satisfying appetizer or light meal. The combination of tender chicken and creamy cheese sauce creates a comforting texture that's hard to resist. Plus, the use of whole wheat buns adds a wholesome touch without sacrificing flavor.
- The sliders are small enough to be portable, perfect for snacking on the go or serving at a party.
- They're a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy afterward.
Who This Recipe Is For
This quick and easy Chicken Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in under an hour. Ideal for families or beginners looking to try something new, these sliders are a fun twist on classic comfort food.
Best Time to Make It
This Chicken Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe Sliders are perfect for casual summer barbecues or a cozy fall gathering. They're also great any time you want a quick, satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and can be enjoyed on the go.
Main Ingredients at a Glance
| Main ingredient | Amount | Role in the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| ground chicken or turkey | 1 pound | Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option, but feel free to use the fattier variety if you prefer richer flavor. Ensure it's fresh and well-trimmed of excess fat. |
| olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Supports cooking, browning or the intended final texture. |
| sweet onion | 1 | Slicing the onions thinly ensures they cook evenly and become caramelized, adding a sweet depth to the dish. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. |
| green pepper sliced thin | 1 | Contributes to the recipe's flavor, structure or final texture. |
| sliced mushrooms | 1/2 cup | Contributes to the recipe's flavor, structure or final texture. |
| soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Contributes to the recipe's flavor, structure or final texture. |
| flour | 1/2 tablespoon | Builds structure and supports the coating, batter or final texture. |
| butter | 1/2 tablespoon | Adds richness, flavor and a smooth finished texture. |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Used for | Recommended feature |
|---|---|---|
| Frying pan or skillet | Handles frying, browning or stovetop cooking. | A wide, heavy base with comfortable handles. |
| Kitchen whisk | Blends ingredients into a smooth, even mixture. | Stainless-steel wires and a comfortable handle. |
| Mixing bowl | Combines and holds ingredients during preparation. | A stable bowl with enough capacity for comfortable mixing. |
Ingredient Notes
- ground chicken or turkey
- Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option, but feel free to use the fattier variety if you prefer richer flavor. Ensure it's fresh and well-trimmed of excess fat.
- sweet onion (sliced thin)
- Slicing the onions thinly ensures they cook evenly and become caramelized, adding a sweet depth to the dish. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- worcestershire
- This condiment adds a complex, umami flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables. It's essential for layering flavors in this recipe.
- shredded provolone cheese
- Provolone melts beautifully, creating a gooey, flavorful sauce when combined with other ingredients. Opt for high-quality shredded cheese for best results.
- parmesan cheese (grated)
- Grating the parmesan ensures it melts smoothly and evenly over the chicken mixture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more authentic taste.
Optional Substitutions
- Substitute ground turkey for the chicken if you prefer a milder flavor. The texture will be slightly different, with a bit more moisture.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk in the cheese sauce for a richer taste and thicker consistency. This may alter the overall richness but still provide a creamy finish.
- Replace provolone with mozzarella for a melty, stringy texture that's easier to handle when assembling the sliders. The flavor will be slightly milder.
Quick and Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In large skillet over medium-high heat add the olive oil, brown the ground chicken, about 5-6 minutes. Add the onion, mushrooms and green pepper, cook another 5-10 minutes, until the onions start to get tender. Stir in the worcestershire, soy sauce and ketchup and season with salt and pepper, bring up to a bubble and cook about 2 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and mustard powder, bring up to a bubble and let thicken, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in the provolone cheese, parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper, stir until the cheese has melted.
- To serve, place a scoopful of the chicken + pepper mixture onto the bottom of the slider buns, then top with the cheese sauce and add the top of the bun.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 366 kcal |
| Total fat | 8 g |
| Saturated fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Sodium | 431 mg |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
Nutrition values are reproduced from the source recipe data and are not estimated by the pipeline.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a more robust flavor, consider using a mix of onions and shallots in the chicken mixture; they complement each other well.
- To ensure the cheese sauce is smooth, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving to remove any lumps or bits of flour.
- If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of Worcestershire sauce by half and add an extra tablespoon of ketchup for a sweeter profile.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the whole wheat buns with gluten-free slider buns; just ensure they are oven-toasted to get that crispy exterior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to cook the chicken thoroughly can lead to undercooked meat, which is both unappetizing and potentially unsafe.
- Not allowing the cheese sauce to thicken properly before adding the cheese can result in a runny, watery topping that doesn't adhere well to the sliders. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
- Overcrowding the skillet when browning the chicken and vegetables can cause them to steam instead of searing, leading to a less flavorful dish. Use a large enough pan so ingredients cook evenly without steaming.
Optional Variations
- Swap out the provolone cheese for pepper jack or cheddar for a spicier and more traditional taste.
- Top each slider with a slice of avocado before adding the cheese sauce for a creamy, fresh texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cheese steak sloppy joe sliders hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. For an added touch, serve them on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of crispy sweet potato fries. A crisp apple slices or a small salad would also complement these sliders nicely.
Storage
The cheese sauce may separate, so gently reheat and stir before serving.
How to Reheat
This ensures the cheese melts and the chicken stays tender without drying out or becoming tough.
Freezing
Freezing this Chicken Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe Sliders is a great idea for meal prep. Package the assembled sliders in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef instead of chicken for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for chicken, you can substitute ground beef to make traditional Sloppy Joes. Just follow the same steps and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce doesn't separate?
To keep the cheese sauce smooth, stir it constantly while it thickens. Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat immediately to prevent curdling.
Are these sliders best served warm or at room temperature?
These are best enjoyed when they're still warm from the oven. The warmth complements the flavors and textures of the chicken and cheese sauce.
Can I make this recipe with a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other melty cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella instead of provolone. Just adjust the amount to taste.
How do I store any leftover chicken and sauce?
Reheat them individually before combining when you're ready to serve.
Can I use regular buns instead of whole wheat slider buns?
Absolutely! You can use regular whole grain or even white buns if you prefer. Just make sure they are toasted for a better texture with the cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe Sliders are a delightful, healthier twist on classic cheesesteaks. The combination of tender ground chicken and savory cheese sauce in whole wheat buns creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.