If you’re looking for a fun and spicy twist on the classic sandwich, buffalo chicken sloppy joes are where it’s at! I remember the first time I whipped these up for a game night with friends; we were all so excited to dive into those messy, flavorful bites. The combination of tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, paired with cool ranch dressing, creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try these buffalo chicken sloppy joes, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for that creamy, cooling contrast)
- 4 hamburger buns (to hold all that delicious filling)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for a pop of freshness and color)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to melt and sauté everything together)
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Making buffalo chicken sloppy joes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have these scrumptious sandwiches ready in no time! Let’s dive into the steps and get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it nice and bubbly—this is where the magic begins!
- Once the butter is melted, add in the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’ll be hard to resist stealing a bite!
- Cook this delicious mixture for about 5 minutes, just until it’s heated through. You want that chicken to soak up all the spicy goodness.
- Next, stir in the ranch dressing and diced celery. This adds a nice crunch and balances out the spice. Give it a good mix and let those flavors meld for another minute or two.
- If you like your buns toasted (and who doesn’t?), go ahead and toast them now while the filling is finishing up. This extra step is totally worth it!
- Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the chicken mixture generously onto the toasted buns and top with green onions for that fresh touch. Dig in and enjoy every spicy, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner is ready in just 20 minutes!
- Bold flavors from the spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy ranch dressing create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight meals, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- A satisfying meal that combines protein and crunch, making it a filling option.
- Customizable—adjust the spice level to your liking or add your favorite toppings!
- Great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a budget-friendly meal!
Tips for Success
Want to make these buffalo chicken sloppy joes even better? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips that’ll ensure perfection every time!
- Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicy, feel free to add a bit more buffalo sauce! But if you want to tone it down a notch, just add a splash more ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred it up and you’re ready to go in a flash!
- Toast Those Buns: Toasting your hamburger buns not only adds a lovely crunch but also helps prevent them from getting soggy from the filling. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Mix It Up: Experiment with toppings! Try adding sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, or some diced pickles for a tangy crunch. The sky’s the limit!
- Meal Prep: You can make the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve—perfect for busy weeknights!
With these tips, you’ll be a buffalo chicken sloppy joe pro in no time—enjoy the deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving buffalo chicken sloppy joes, the options are endless! I love to pair these spicy sandwiches with sides that complement their bold flavors and add a refreshing touch. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Crispy Fries: You can’t go wrong with a side of classic French fries or sweet potato fries! The crunch and saltiness balance out the spicy, saucy goodness of the sandwiches.
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw is a fantastic side. It adds a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste that perfectly offsets the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Veggie Sticks: For a lighter option, serve up some fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It’s a great way to add some crunch!
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad with creamy dressing and herbs is another delicious option. It’s hearty and complements the sloppy joes beautifully.
- Drinks: For drinks, I recommend pairing these sandwiches with an ice-cold beer, a refreshing lemonade, or even a sweet iced tea. They all make for a perfect match on a warm day!
Whatever you choose, your buffalo chicken sloppy joes will shine even brighter when served with the right sides and drinks. Enjoy the feast!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to buffalo chicken sloppy joes, you might be curious about what’s in these delicious sandwiches. Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per serving (that’s one sandwich):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’re getting a satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor! Enjoy knowing that you’re indulging without too much guilt when you dive into these sloppy joes!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for buffalo chicken sloppy joes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the skillet with the buffalo sauce. It’ll work just as well, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor!
What can I do if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
No worries! You can make your own buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. If you want a milder version, just use your favorite hot sauce or even a barbecue sauce for a different twist!
Can I make these buffalo chicken sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve it on your buns!
Are buffalo chicken sloppy joes gluten-free?
Yes, they can be gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free hamburger buns, and you’re all set for a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy!
What toppings can I add to my buffalo chicken sloppy joes?
Get creative! I love adding sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, or you can go for some crunchy pickles or even shredded cheese. It’s all about what flavors you enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers from your buffalo chicken sloppy joes (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly will help you enjoy that deliciousness again!
To store, simply let the chicken mixture cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t absorb any other flavors from your fridge!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating the mixture is super easy. Just pop it in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through—this usually takes about 5 minutes. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot.
As for the buns, I recommend toasting fresh buns when you’re ready to serve. If you have leftover buns, store them in a sealed bag to keep them fresh. Just give them a quick toast before loading them up with the reheated buffalo chicken filling. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good the second time around!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: 5 Irresistible Flavor Layers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Buffalo chicken sloppy joes are a spicy twist on a classic sandwich. They combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a few other ingredients for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in ranch dressing and celery. Mix well.
- Toast hamburger buns if desired.
- Serve chicken mixture on buns and top with green onions.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for desired spiciness.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken sloppy joes, sloppy joes, buffalo chicken
