Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Add some bold, spicy flair to your next meal with these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! This flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food combines tender ground chicken with zesty Cajun seasoning, sautéed veggies, and a tangy tomato-based sauce—all piled high on toasted buns. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or game-day spreads.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Bold Flavor – The perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and savory Cajun spices.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Family Favorite – Kid-friendly with a mild kick (or spice it up if you want!).
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch.
Versatile – Serve on buns, over rice, or stuffed in baked potatoes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances the heat)
• 2 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)

For Serving:

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• ½ cup coleslaw (optional, for extra crunch)
• Pickles, sliced (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Toaster or skillet for buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
3. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Add ground chicken to the skillet.
2. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain excess liquid if needed.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

1. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until everything is fully combined and coated.
3. Add a splash of water (1-2 tbsp) if the mixture is too thick.

Step 4: Simmer the Filling

1. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more Cajun seasoning for extra spice or a bit more sugar if you prefer a sweeter balance.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

1. While the filling simmers, toast the burger buns in a toaster or skillet until golden.
2. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
3. Add shredded lettuce, coleslaw, or pickles if desired.
4. Top with the other half of the bun and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Use Lean Ground Chicken – Keeps the dish light but flavorful.
Adjust Spice to Taste – Use a mild Cajun blend or add hot sauce for more heat.
Toasted Buns are a Must – Adds crunch and prevents sogginess.
Make it Saucy – Add a little extra tomato sauce or a splash of broth if needed.
Add Cheese – A slice of pepper jack or cheddar adds a creamy kick.

Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Fries – The perfect sweet and spicy combo.
Corn on the Cob – A fresh, summery side.
Cucumber Salad – A cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
Rice Bowl Style – Serve the filling over white or brown rice for a sloppy joe rice bowl.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
   Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this recipe.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
   It has a mild Cajun kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
3. What Cajun seasoning should I use?
   Any store-bought Cajun blend works, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The flavors only get better after sitting—perfect for meal prep.
5. Are these sloppy joes kid-friendly?
   Yes! Just use a mild Cajun seasoning and adjust sugar and spice to suit their taste.

Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring the perfect fusion of classic comfort and bold Southern spice to your table. Easy to whip up, loaded with flavor, and totally customizable, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether it’s dinner for the family or a game-day gathering with friends, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to impress.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Cajun

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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