Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 2–3 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup), plus more for garnish if desired
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground chicken (or finely shredded cooked chicken, like rotisserie)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Buffalo Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- 3/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your preferred brand, adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plain, unsalted if possible)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt (optional, enhances celery flavor)
- For Serving:
- 8–10 sturdy sandwich buns (brioche, potato rolls, or Kaiser rolls work well)
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional, but highly recommended)
- Ranch dressing or Blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- Thinly sliced green onions or chives (for garnish)
- Shredded lettuce (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This initial step builds a crucial flavor base for the entire dish.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break it apart with a spoon and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it’s browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it at this stage and stir to combine with the vegetables, cooking for a few minutes to heat through.
- Season the Base: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary (though ground chicken is often lean enough not to require this). Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and allow them to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. This “blooming” of spices enhances their aroma and taste.
- Prepare the Sauce Components: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Buffalo Sloppy Joe Sauce: Frank’s RedHot sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, melted butter, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and celery salt (if using). Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The combination of these ingredients is what gives the dish its signature tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet profile.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken and Meld Flavors: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet (leaving a slight vent if possible), and let the Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is vital; it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken to that perfect sloppy consistency. If the sauce seems too thin after 20 minutes, you can remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing some excess liquid to evaporate. Conversely, if it becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the simmering is complete, taste the mixture. Adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more salt, a pinch more brown sugar for sweetness, or an extra splash of hot sauce for more heat. This is your chance to tailor it perfectly to your palate.
- Prepare Buns: While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, you can prepare your buns. For an extra touch, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on a griddle, under the broiler, or in a toaster oven until golden brown and slightly crisp. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the buns from getting soggy too quickly.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the hot Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with your desired garnishes – blue cheese crumbles are a classic pairing with Buffalo flavors, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds creaminess, and thinly sliced green onions or celery can add a fresh crunch. Place the top bun on and serve immediately while warm and delightfully messy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 350-450