Effortless Chicken Sloppy Joes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For Topping

01 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
02 - Fresh basil leaves, optional for sprinkling

→ For the Buns

03 - 4 brioche buns
04 - 1/4 cup softened garlic margarine or butter

→ For the Chicken Mixture

05 - 1 pound lean ground chicken
06 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto
08 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
10 - 1 cup yellow onion, diced nice and small
11 - 1 teaspoon salt

# Instructions:

01 - Put the top buns on. Toss on some basil leaves if you want. Enjoy right away while they're still hot.
02 - Sprinkle mozzarella on the steaming chicken mixture. If you want super melty cheese, pop the sandwiches back in the oven for another minute or two.
03 - Lay the bottom halves of the buns on plates. Pile on the hot chicken and sauce so each bun gets a fair amount.
04 - Arrange the split buns face-up on a baking tray. Slather the softened garlic margarine or butter over each open side. Toast in the oven until they're golden, about five minutes.
05 - Drop the heat down low. Toss in the Parmesan and stir so it melts and mixes in. Let it bubble softly while you get the buns ready.
06 - Pour the marinara into the pan. Add pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir things up to make sure the chicken gets saucy, then let everything lightly bubble.
07 - Throw the diced onions in with the chicken. Stir and keep cooking until the onions look soft and clear, around three or four minutes.
08 - Set a big sauté pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground chicken and use a spoon to break it up while it browns. Cook until it loses its pink color, about five to seven minutes.
09 - Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C). That way, it'll be hot when you're ready to toast the buns and get that crunch.

# Notes:

01 - Want it even tastier? Toss in a little garlic or Italian seasoning while the chicken cooks.
02 - The chicken mix keeps well and actually gets more flavorful after chilling. Store it away from the buns until you're ready.
03 - Cut carbs by using zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash instead of buns.

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