Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium Poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground chicken (or turkey, white meat, dark meat, or a combination)
Spices and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Hamburger buns
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Corn chips (optional)
- Pickled jalapeno peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion begins to soften and becomes translucent.
- Add Poblano peppers: Stir in the seeded and chopped Poblano peppers and continue cooking over medium heat for another 3-4 minutes until both onions and peppers are soft.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook briefly for 10-15 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Brown the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until browned with no pink remaining, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and Mexican oregano, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Add liquids and sweetener: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and top with optional shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, or pickled jalapeno peppers as desired for added texture and heat.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey if preferred for a leaner option.
- Seed the Poblano peppers to reduce heat; leave seeds in if you like it spicier.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Adjust seasoning and spice level to your taste by modifying chili powder and jalapeno additions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American