Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Bold & Zesty Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor into every bite.

This mouthwatering buffalo chicken sloppy joes recipe delivers a spicy twist on the classic comfort food.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with zesty buffalo sauce, creating a messy yet irresistible meal everyone will devour.

Bold and tangy, these sloppy joes bring the heat without overwhelming your taste buds.

The creamy blue cheese crumbles add a cool counterpoint to the fiery sauce, balancing each delectable bite.

Serve these sandwiches on soft hamburger buns for maximum enjoyment.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed feast.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Saucy And Spicy

  • Chicken Preparation

Sizzle ground chicken in a hot skillet until perfectly golden and crumbly, releasing those mouthwatering flavors.

  • Flavor Foundation

Toss in diced onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Sauce Magic

Pour in zesty Buffalo sauce and complementary liquid seasonings, letting everything bubble and merge into a tantalizing mixture. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop deep, rich flavors.

  • Sandwich Creation

Pile the spicy chicken blend onto soft, toasted buns. Drizzle with cool, creamy dressing for an ultimate flavor explosion.

  • Serving Suggestion

Plate your sloppy joes alongside crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Pump Up Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Flavor

  • Spice Control: Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to manage heat levels – less sauce means milder flavor, while more creates an intense, fiery kick for heat lovers.
  • Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for different protein options that maintain similar texture and cooking technique.
  • Dietary Modifications: Create a low-carb version by serving the Buffalo chicken mixture over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps instead of traditional burger buns.
  • Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese toppings like crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or melted provolone to add unique flavor profiles beyond classic blue cheese.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the Buffalo chicken mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and creating an easy weeknight meal solution.

Game-Day Serving Ideas For Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

  • Zesty Dipping Delights: Create a quick dipping station with blue cheese, ranch, and hot sauce for personalized flavor kicks.
  • Crisp Companion Sides: Pair with crunchy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or pickle spears to balance the spicy chicken mixture.
  • Cool Creamy Toppers: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, crumbled blue cheese, or drizzle extra ranch to add creamy texture and fresh brightness.
  • Sandwich Transformation: Swap hamburger buns for crispy toasted ciabatta or pretzel rolls to elevate the classic sloppy joe experience.

Smart Storage For Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Leftovers

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover Buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the saucy goodness ready for quick meals.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and intensify for an even more delicious meal.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in sealed containers for up to 2 months, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or unexpected cravings.
  • Bun Separation Tip: Keep toasted buns separate from the chicken mixture until serving to prevent soggy bread and maintain that perfect crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 45

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Ingredients Breakdown

For Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean and versatile protein that absorbs Buffalo sauce's zesty flavor perfectly, choosing fresh and high-quality meat ensures the best taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the dish, selecting low-sodium varieties allows better control of overall saltiness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature tangy and spicy kick, picking restaurant-style sauce guarantees authentic Buffalo wing experience.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces rich umami complexity, opt for traditional brands for authentic depth.
  • Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato richness and helps thicken sauce, selecting organic options offers cleaner taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Brings subtle smoky undertone, using freshly ground spice maximizes flavor potential.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates overall taste profile.
For Base and Topping:
  • Buns: Sturdy bread base that holds saucy mixture, choosing soft yet slightly crusty rolls prevents soggy texture.
  • Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and texture, selecting fresh yellow onions provides best flavor.
  • Garlic: Introduces pungent depth, using fresh cloves ensures most vibrant taste.
  • Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Creamy topping that complements spicy Buffalo sauce, selecting high-quality dressings enhances final presentation.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking foundation, using extra virgin variety adds subtle fruity notes.

Tools To Build Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground chicken and sautéing ingredients evenly and quickly.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up chicken and stirring the mixture without scratching the skillet.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and sauces for balanced flavor.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients neatly.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing onions and mincing garlic with precision.
  • Tongs: Great for toasting buns and serving the sloppy joes.
  • Serving Plates: For presenting the finished Buffalo chicken sloppy joes.
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 45 1x

Description

Hearty buffalo chicken sloppy joes merge classic comfort food with spicy wing sauce for an irresistible meal. Creamy ranch and zesty ingredients elevate this quick dinner that satisfies serious cravings you’ll enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 46 hamburger buns, toasted
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
  • shredded lettuce
  • sliced pickles
  • thinly sliced celery
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Protein Preparation: Sizzle ground chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly browning and crumbling the meat until completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic, quickly releasing its intense flavor profile while creating a robust base for the dish.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Combine Buffalo sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, and seasonings into a vibrant, zesty sauce mixture that will transform the chicken into a mouthwatering filling.
  4. Sauce Reduction: Integrate the sauce with cooked chicken, allowing the liquid to simmer and condense, creating a thick, clingy coating that ensures maximum flavor absorption and texture.
  5. Bun Transformation: Toast bun halves to achieve a golden, crisp exterior capable of supporting the robust and saucy chicken mixture without becoming soggy.
  6. Assembly and Finishing: Generously layer the fiery Buffalo chicken onto prepared buns, then drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing to introduce a cooling counterpoint to the spicy protein.
  7. Final Flourish: Optionally garnish with chopped celery, green onions, or an extra splash of hot sauce for heat enthusiasts, then serve immediately alongside complementary sides like potato chips or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Control Protein Moisture: Cook ground chicken carefully to avoid excess liquid, ensuring a thick, clingy sauce consistency that doesn’t make buns soggy.
  • Balance Buffalo Heat: Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance; start with less sauce and gradually increase for perfect flavor intensity.
  • Prevent Bun Sogginess: Lightly toast bun interiors to create a protective barrier that prevents sauce from making bread mushy, maintaining sandwich structural integrity.
  • Customize Cooling Elements: Experiment with different creamy toppings like blue cheese or ranch to complement the spicy chicken, creating a balanced flavor profile that cuts through the heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 45
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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