Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, smoky twist on the classic comfort food. Ground chicken is cooked with a homemade Cajun spice blend, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, then served on hamburger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles for added crunch and tang. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a party crowd pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 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
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional but recommended)
- Pickles
Instructions
- Mix Your Spices: Combine all the Cajun spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper—in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This blend can be made in advance and stored for future use.
- Cook the Chicken Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. It may look dry initially, but that’s normal at this stage.
- Build Those Flavors: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned chicken. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and the prepared Cajun spice blend, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create the Saucy Magic: Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Add the chicken broth to keep the mixture moist. Stir all ingredients together well and let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens to a sloppy joe consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy Cajun chicken mixture onto hamburger buns. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides such as sweet potato fries or corn on the cob.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level—start with less for a milder dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to prevent toughness; chicken broth helps maintain moisture.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the mixture a day in advance to enhance flavors; store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftover portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- If the sauce is too watery, simmer longer uncovered to reduce.
- For a kid-friendly version, halve the cayenne pepper.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, sloppy joes, ground chicken recipe, spicy sloppy joes, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Southern comfort food
Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-recipe/
