These Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are a healthier take on the classic comfort food, made easy in the slow cooker. Using lean ground chicken and a homemade low-sugar sauce, it's a flavorful, high-protein meal the whole family will love.
If you love the ease of this set-it-and-forget-it meal, be sure to check out our full collection of healthy slow cooker recipes. For those who are carefully watching their salt intake, we also have a dedicated category of flavorful low-sodium dinner recipes. Explore both sections to discover your next favorite weeknight meal.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
While you technically can, we highly recommend browning the ground chicken in a skillet first, as directed in the recipe. This essential step develops a richer flavor and ensures the meat has the best possible texture.
The key to avoiding soggy buns is to toast them. Lightly spray the cut sides with cooking spray and toast them on a griddle or in a pan until golden brown before adding the sloppy joe mixture.
They certainly can be! This version is designed to be healthy by using lean ground chicken, low-sodium and low-sugar sauces, and plenty of vegetables. With 27g of protein and only 246mg of sodium per serving, it's a balanced choice.
The main difference is the type of ground meat used in the recipe. A classic Sloppy Joe is made with ground beef, whereas a "Sloppy Jane" is the name often given to versions made with leaner ground poultry, such as ground chicken or turkey.
A typical sloppy joe recipe starts with ground meat, onions, and peppers. The sauce is what gives it its signature flavor and usually consists of ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like chili powder, ground mustard, and garlic powder. This healthier version uses reduced-sodium ketchup and salt-free barbecue sauce.
Yes, ground chicken can be a very healthy choice, especially when you select a lean variety like the 99% lean ground chicken used in this recipe. It is an excellent source of protein and is generally lower in saturated fat compared to many types of ground beef, making it a great fit for heart-healthy and high-protein diets.
Yes, chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Just one serving of this ground chicken sloppy joe recipe provides 27 grams of protein.
Putting your slow cooker to work is one of the best ways to get a flavorful and healthy meal on the table with minimal effort. Here are a few more of our favorite recipes that let your crock pot handle all the hard work for a delicious dinner.
Now that you have your main course figured out, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it. These healthy and delicious side dishes are the perfect pairing for our Crock Pot Sloppy Joes and help complete the meal.
It can be frustrating to find a balance between the classic, comforting flavor of recipes like the Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes and your personal dietary needs. We developed our sloppy joe recipe to be a healthier copycat version, capturing that signature savory and tangy taste while significantly cutting down on sodium, fat, and sugar. Let's look at a side-by-side nutritional comparison, using a close estimate for a traditional recipe, to see how our version measures up.
Here is a breakdown of what makes our recipe a healthier choice compared to the estimated nutrition of the competitor's version:
Pioneer Woman's Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:
Calories: 314
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sodium: 1378mg
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 25g
Health eCooks’ Crock Pot Sloppy Joes:
Calories: 297
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 246mg
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 27g
These comparisons show that you can still enjoy the rich, savory flavor of sloppy joes while adhering to your health and wellness goals. Simple, mindful ingredient swaps make a significant nutritional difference without sacrificing taste.
Disclaimer: Please note that the nutritional information cited for the Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is an estimate. This data is based on a similar recipe and is provided for comparative purposes only, as the original recipe does not include official nutrition facts.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and heat until melted. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon as it browns, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off and discard any cooked off fat.
Add garlic, bell peppers, jalapeño pepper, onion, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer meat mixture to 6-quart slow cooker.
Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, ground mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and water; stir to combine. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, until flavors concentrate and mixture reduces slightly.
Separate buns and lightly spray cut sides with nonstick cooking spray. Heat griddle over medium heat. Toast cut-side down until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add romaine lettuce to bottom halves of buns, followed by a spoonful of meat mixture (about a rounded ¼ cup), and then place the top halves of the buns on top. Serve warm and enjoy! Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
No slow cooker? No problem. After browning the chicken and vegetables in a large skillet or Dutch oven, simply add all the sauce ingredients, stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
93% lean ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken if preferred.
Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like carrots or celery along with the peppers and onions for extra nutrients.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the other spices.
If you enjoyed how this recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a healthy and easy meal, you'll love what else your slow cooker can do. We've gathered some of our top-rated slow cooker favorites that deliver rich, satisfying flavor without the extra fat or sodium.