Name: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground chicken; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 6 hamburger buns; Coleslaw (optional but recommended); Pickles

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Introduction

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring a spicy twist to the classic comfort food with smoky paprika, earthy herbs, and just the right amount of heat. This flavorful dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner that satisfies without fuss. Add some crunchy coleslaw and pickles for the full experience.

A close-up of a sandwich with three visible layers: the top layer is a soft, shiny golden brown bun with a smooth texture and slight cracks; the middle layer consists of chunky, saucy cooked minced meat coated in a glossy reddish-orange barbecue sauce; the bottom layer is a soft white bun that looks fresh and fluffy, slightly soaked with sauce and resting on a white marbled surface. The sauce drips slightly from the meat, adding a juicy look to the sandwich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground chicken
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color works)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
Cajun Spice Blend:

1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

6 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional but recommended)
Pickles

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together all Cajun spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. It may look dry at first, but that’s normal.
Step 3: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and the Cajun spice blend, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Simmer on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
Step 5: Toast hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles for added crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as sweet potato fries or cornbread, and enjoy the spicy, smoky goodness!

Tips & Variations

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat—start with less if you prefer mild and add more if you like it spicy.
Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
To keep the chicken moist, don’t overcook and rely on the chicken broth to maintain a perfect sloppy joe texture.
Add a dollop of sour cream on top to balance out extra heat if needed.
Make a double batch of the Cajun spice blend to keep on hand for quick seasoning in other dishes.

Storage

Store the cooked Cajun chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if the mixture seems too thick.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich with three main layers: a shiny, smooth light brown top bun with a soft texture, a thick middle layer of chunky, saucy, reddish-brown meat filling that looks juicy and slightly glossy, and a soft white bottom bun with a fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce. There are a few green pickle slices peeking out just under the meat layer. The sandwich is placed on a light-colored wooden surface with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in place of chicken, though it may be slightly less juicy. Adjust with a bit more chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.

How spicy is this really?

This recipe offers a medium level of heat, similar to a spicy salsa. You control the spice by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.

Will kids eat this?

Try halving the cayenne pepper for a milder, kid-friendly version. The other spices still provide great flavor without too much heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually improves after resting overnight in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Just reheat gently before serving.

What if I don’t have all the individual spices?

You can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought Cajun seasoning, but homemade blend provides a fresher, more layered flavor.