Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a fiery, flavor-packed upgrade to the traditional beef version. This recipe swaps ground beef for juicy ground chicken and infuses it with the bold, smoky spices of Cajun cuisine. The result? A saucy, savory sandwich with just the right kick of heat, balanced by sweet bell peppers, onions, and a tangy tomato base. Piled high on toasted buns and optionally topped with creamy slaw or melted cheese, these Sloppy Joes are perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you crave something messy and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cajun Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen the sauce if needed)
For Serving:
- 4–6 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, coleslaw, melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the spices.
3. Build the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
4. Toast the Buns:
- While the filling simmers, toast your buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add your favorite toppings—creamy coleslaw for contrast, melted cheese for indulgence, or pickles for a tangy crunch.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
- Make It Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheese It Up: Stir shredded cheese directly into the hot filling for a melty, cheesy twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over roasted sweet potatoes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a bold, zesty twist on a nostalgic comfort food.
- The Cajun spices bring warmth and depth without overwhelming heat.
- It’s quick to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Would you like a homemade Cajun seasoning blend to go with this? Or maybe a side dish idea like Cajun sweet potato fries or a tangy corn salad?