Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or to taste)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• cup chicken stock
• cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's REDHOT Buffalo Wing Sauce), or to taste
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 6 ounces Neufchatel cheese, softened
• 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, or more to taste
• 8 hamburger buns, split
• cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and stir to break it up. Cook until the chicken is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink.
2. Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for about 7-8 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock, buffalo wing sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Add the Neufchatel and Cheddar cheese, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer until the cheeses have fully melted and everything is well combined.
5. Serve the buffalo chicken mixture on split hamburger buns. Top with crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Cook's Note

If you prefer, you can finish this dish in a slow cooker after Step 1. Just add everything to the slow cooker, set it to cook, and let it simmer until you're ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 526
• Total Fat: 26g (34% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 13g (64% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 122mg (41% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 974mg (42% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 41g (81% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 348mg (27% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 395mg (8% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary based on your calorie needs.

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes combine the tangy heat of Buffalo wing sauce with the comforting, savory appeal of sloppy joes, creating a deliciously spicy and creamy sandwich filling. This variation of the traditional sloppy joe is a beloved choice for those who enjoy the signature flavor of Buffalo wings but prefer a more practical, sandwich-friendly dish.

History of Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

The origin of Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes traces back to the rise of Buffalo wing sauce, which was first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Initially, the sauce was used exclusively for chicken wings, but over the years, it has found its way into many other dishes, including this inventive sloppy joe. While traditional sloppy joes have been a staple in American cuisine for decades, the addition of spicy Buffalo wing sauce represents a fusion of two regional comfort foods. The combination of the tangy sauce and the creamy texture of cheese creates a deliciously new take on the classic sloppy joe.

Regional Variations

The dish may be called "Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes," but it has regional connections to both Buffalo, New York, and the broader American midwestern and southern comfort food cultures. While Buffalo wings are inherently tied to the Buffalo region, the sloppy joe itself has deep roots in American diners, particularly in the Midwest, where the dish was popularized in the early 20th century. Combining these two iconic food staples gives rise to a regional hybrid dish that blends the spice and vinegar of Buffalo wings with the hearty satisfaction of a sloppy joe.

How Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Differ from Similar Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes stand apart from their more traditional counterparts primarily due to the unique blend of flavors they incorporate. The main distinguishing feature is the addition of hot Buffalo wing sauce, which gives the dish a spicy kick and a tangy finish. Unlike regular sloppy joes, which are typically made with ground beef and a sweet tomato-based sauce, Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes use ground chicken and a savory, slightly spicy sauce made from chicken stock, Buffalo wing sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The addition of Neufchatel cheese and Cheddar further sets the dish apart, giving it a creamy texture that recalls the richness of Buffalo chicken dip, but in sandwich form.

Where is Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes Typically Served?

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are popular in casual American dining settings, particularly at barbecues, tailgates, or informal get-togethers. They are often served at restaurants that specialize in American comfort food, especially those offering wing-themed or sandwich-heavy menus. This dish has also become a favorite at home cookouts and family dinners, especially for those looking for an easy-to-make but flavorful meal. The sandwiches are commonly paired with classic sides such as potato chips, coleslaw, or fries. It is also common to serve them as an alternative to regular sloppy joes during Super Bowl parties or other sports events.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Buffalo wing sauce was invented in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. She created the sauce as a way to use leftover chicken wings, a part of the chicken that was typically discarded.
• While the traditional sloppy joe is often made with beef, ground turkey or chicken is commonly used in Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes for a lighter version of the dish.
• Some variations of this dish substitute the usual hamburger buns with tortillas, making it easy to create Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe wraps instead of sandwiches.
• The dish is so popular that it has been featured on various food blogs, cooking shows, and even in food challenges, proving that Buffalo wings have become an enduring American culinary trend.

Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes are a perfect blend of two classic comfort foods, and with their spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, they offer a fresh twist on the familiar taste of sloppy joes. Whether served as a hearty lunch or an appetizer at a party, this dish is sure to delight anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying meals.

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