Go Back
To make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, gather these simple items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns - Chopped parsley for garnish If you lack some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Ground chicken can be replaced with ground turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. - Use any color bell pepper, or skip it if you prefer. - If you have fresh tomatoes, chop and use them instead of canned crushed tomatoes. - For Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar. - You can replace olive oil with any cooking oil you have on hand. Cajun seasoning gives this dish its bold taste. You can buy it or make your own! Here’s a quick mix: - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix these spices together for a homemade Cajun kick! Adjust the cayenne based on your heat level preference. Enjoy the fun of adding your twist to this classic dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 diced green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. 3. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells great. 4. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. 5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the chicken. Mix it well to coat the meat evenly. 6. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything until combined. 7. Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. While it simmers, lightly toast 4 hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster. 9. Once ready, spoon a generous amount of the mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun. - Use a good non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. - Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Break the chicken into small pieces for even cooking and better texture. - Simmer on low heat to prevent burning. This helps the flavors meld together. - Stir occasionally to check on the mixture. This keeps it from sticking to the bottom. - If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the texture. Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes shine when served warm. I love to place them on a wooden platter. You can pair them with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. These sides add crunch and balance the spices well. For a fun twist, serve with coleslaw for extra texture. You can also enjoy them with pickles or jalapeños for some added zing. Garnishing makes your dish look fancy. I like to use chopped parsley for a pop of color. Fresh cilantro also works great if you want a different taste. You can add sliced green onions on top for a mild bite. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds color and a hint of flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try crumbled feta or goat cheese! This recipe is quick and easy. Prep time is just 15 minutes. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes. You can have a tasty meal ready in less than an hour. Each batch serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure everything cooks evenly and tastes great! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Using ground chicken thigh instead of breast will give your Sloppy Joes more flavor and moisture. Add Some Heat: If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick. Customize Your Buns: Try using brioche or whole grain buns for a different texture and flavor that complements the filling. Let It Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer longer than 15 minutes if you have time; the flavors will deepen and become more complex. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe without chicken. Use plant-based ground meat, like lentils or mushrooms. Both options add a nice texture. For a vegan twist, swap Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version or soy sauce. This change keeps the flavor rich and savory. If you prefer other meats, try ground turkey or pork. Both cook well and soak up flavors. You can even use shredded chicken from a rotisserie. This option cuts down on prep time and still tastes great. Get creative with spices. Instead of Cajun seasoning, use taco seasoning for a different kick. Or add some barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky vibe. You can even mix in some hot sauce if you like heat. The key is to adjust flavors to match your taste. After enjoying your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the filling first. Place the cooled chicken mixture in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For the buns, store them in a separate bag to keep them from getting soggy. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. This will help keep the flavors rich. If you prefer, you can microwave it. Just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm. If you want to make a big batch, freezing is a smart choice. Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn. The filling can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the instructions above. Yes, you can make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time. Cook the filling and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes meal prep easy and quick for busy days. Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Simple green salad - Corn on the cob - Potato chips These sides add texture and flavor to your meal. Choose what you like best! You can easily adjust the spiciness of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Here are some tips: - Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor. - Add a pinch of sugar to balance heat. - Include diced bell peppers for sweetness. - Serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. These options let you customize the dish to your taste! Enjoy making it just right for you. In this post, I covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for making Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. You learned about ingredient substitutions, seasoning tips, and how to cook ground chicken for the best results. Finally, I shared storage methods, reheating tips, and answered common questions. These pointers ensure you enjoy a tasty meal that's easy to make and customize. Dive into Cajun flavors and have fun with this recipe!

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

A spicy and flavorful twist on traditional sloppy joes made with ground chicken and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • for garnish chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the cooked chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until combined.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns on a separate skillet or in a toaster.
  • Once the filling is ready, spoon a generous amount onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun.

Notes

Serve on a wooden platter, garnished with chopped parsley. Pair with sweet potato fries or a salad.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, sandwich, Sloppy Joes