Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love bold flavors and easy-to-make meals, this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for you. It combines the spicy and savory notes of Cajun seasoning with tender ground chicken, all served on a toasted bun for the ultimate comfort food. This dish is quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir well.
- Pour in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired.
- Butter and toast the burger buns in a separate pan.
- Serve the Cajun chicken mixture on the toasted buns and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Cheesy Cajun Joes: Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the Cajun chicken mixture over lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground chicken with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked Cajun chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning and optional hot sauce. You can adjust it to your preference.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the flavors.
What type of buns work best?
Brioche buns or toasted hamburger buns work great for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
Pair it with coleslaw, fries, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or omit it entirely for a more savory flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free buns and check that your Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add diced celery, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Butter the buns and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic dish, packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying, spicy meal!
PrintDelicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Description
hese Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold, spicy twist on a classic! Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky, Cajun-spiced sauce, then piled onto toasted buns for a messy, flavorful sandwich. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day!
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped (red or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (balances flavors)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water, if needed)
- For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)
- Sliced pickles or jalapeños (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and brown sugar.
- Pour in chicken broth if the mixture looks too thick.
- Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- 3. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto toasted buns.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and let it melt.
- Add pickles, jalapeños, or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sodium: ~900mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Protein: ~30g
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