Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Bold, spicy, and full of Southern flair, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a zesty twist on a classic sandwich. Ground chicken is simmered in a flavorful Cajun-spiced tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then piled high on soft buns for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s a family-friendly dinner with just the right amount of kick, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy & Savory – Loaded with bold Cajun flavor and rich tomato goodness.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
Lighter Twist – Ground chicken keeps it lean and protein-rich.
Great for Meal Prep – The filling stores and reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup water or chicken broth

For Serving:
4–6 hamburger buns or brioche buns, toasted
Sliced pickles or coleslaw (optional for topping)
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Spatula or wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Add ground chicken to the skillet.
2. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon—about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Simmer

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and water or broth.
3. Mix well and reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. While the mixture simmers, lightly toast your buns on a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
2. This helps them hold up to the saucy filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
2. Top with sliced pickles, coleslaw, or green onions if desired.
3. Cap with the top bun and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Sloppy Joes
Use Lean Chicken – Keeps the filling rich but not greasy.
Toast Your Buns – Prevents sogginess and adds extra texture.
Adjust the Spice – Control the heat by varying cayenne or Cajun seasoning.
Make It Creamy – Add a dollop of mayo or creamy slaw for balance.
Double It – This recipe is easy to scale for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.

Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy, sweet contrast to the spicy filling.
Corn on the Cob – A buttery side that fits the Southern theme.
Potato Salad – A cool, creamy classic to round out the meal.
Green Salad – For something light and refreshing on the side.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – Perfect beverages to complement the spice.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring often, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles all work well.
2. Is it very spicy?
   Not overwhelmingly—adjust the Cajun and cayenne to your liking.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   It is naturally dairy-free—just be mindful of bun ingredients if needed.
4. What buns work best?
   Soft brioche buns or hamburger buns are ideal, but sandwich rolls or hoagie buns also work.

Final Thoughts
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, savory spin on a beloved classic—quick to make, fun to eat, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for the week, this recipe brings serious satisfaction to the table.

Try them once, and they just might become your new favorite sandwich!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Sandwich):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 540mg

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