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Ground Chicken Sloppy Joe Bowls - Comforting, Saucy, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (red or orange works too)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken (93% lean is ideal)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (mild) or 1/2 teaspoon for less heat
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard (or Dijon for sharper flavor)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water), more as needed
  • Cooked base for bowls: 3–4 cups steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced pickles, shredded cheddar, red pepper flakes, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Cook rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Break it up with a spatula and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned in spots.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, and mustard. Add the chicken broth and mix well to coat everything.
  5. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 6–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy. If it looks dry, add a splash more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over your warm base. Top with green onions, pickles, shredded cheddar, or a pinch of red pepper flakes as you like.
  7. Serve: Enjoy hot. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so keep extra broth on hand for loosening when reheating.