Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring a bold, spicy twist to the classic sloppy joe, swapping out ground beef for juicy, seasoned chicken infused with Cajun flavors. This dish is savory, slightly smoky, and packed with heat, making it a perfect comfort food with a Southern flair. The rich tomato-based sauce, combined with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, creates a mouthwatering filling that pairs beautifully with toasted buns. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something exciting for a casual gathering, these sloppy joes deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Buns & Toppings:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting)
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- While the chicken mixture simmers, butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate skillet or toaster until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
- Add optional toppings like sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw.
- Finish by placing the top halves of the buns on top.
Final Thoughts:
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, savory, and satisfying meal that brings a Southern-inspired kick to a classic dish. The rich Cajun flavors, combined with the juicy chicken and toasted buns, make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a game-day feast, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit!
Would you like any variations or side dish recommendations? 😊