These budget-friendly, high-protein chicken hearts sloppy joes are easy to make and surprisingly mild, making it a great way to introduce organ meats to your family.
11ounces(300g) ground or finely chopped chicken hearts
1½tspsaltadjust to taste
½tspfreshly ground black pepper
1cuptomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2Tbsptomato paste
1Tbsphoneyor maple syrup
1Tbspapple cider vinegar
½tspgarlic powder
½tspmild paprikaoptional
5-10burger buns
1cupshredded cheese
Instructions
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, until soft and lightly golden. Add the ground beef and chicken hearts mixture, then cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until lightly browned. Season well with salt and black pepper.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, honey, vinegar, and spices. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until it becomes thick, rich, and flavorful. Taste and adjust as needed — add a little more honey if you prefer it sweeter, or a small splash more vinegar if you like a tangier finish.
Spoon the chicken hearts sloppy joes onto warm burger buns and top with cheese. Serve immediately with simple sides like sliced cucumbers, sauerkraut, or homemade chips for an easy, comforting meal.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover chicken hearts sloppy joes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.