Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold twist on the classic sloppy joe. Featuring ground chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, a rich tomato-based sauce, and toasted buns, this dish brings the perfect balance of spice, flavor, and comfort. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are as easy to make as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Cajun spices add a bold and smoky kick to the dish.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Kid-friendly: A fun and messy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Onion, diced
- Bell peppers (red or green), diced
- Garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- Chicken broth
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté the diced onion and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink.
- Season: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken mixture and stir well to coat.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), chicken broth, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden.
- Assemble: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Cheesy upgrade: Top with shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or a dollop of creamy cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Replace ground chicken with plant-based meat or lentils.
- Extra veggies: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Low-carb version: Serve over lettuce wraps or grilled portobello mushrooms instead of buns.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works as a great substitute for ground chicken.
2. What is Cajun seasoning made of?
Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
3. How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or omit the hot sauce and use a milder Cajun seasoning for less heat.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
5. What toppings go well with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
Shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, coleslaw, or a dollop of ranch dressing pair wonderfully.
6. Can I use homemade buns?
Absolutely! Homemade buns elevate the dish, but store-bought ones work just as well for convenience.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with fries, coleslaw, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any cheese toppings and use dairy-free butter for toasting the buns.
9. How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and serve the chicken mixture immediately to keep them crisp.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just adjust the skillet size or cook in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a deliciously messy, flavor-packed twist on the classic comfort food. With bold Cajun spices and a rich, savory sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone at the table!
Print
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Ground chicken is cooked with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato-based sauce, then piled high on toasted buns. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish packs a punch in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Add the seasoning:
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Make the sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), chicken broth, and brown sugar. Stir until combined and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the toasted buns. Add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning: If you like it less spicy, reduce the amount or use a mild Cajun seasoning.
- Bun options: Use brioche, potato, or whole-grain buns for a delicious twist.
- Make ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead and reheated before serving.