Description
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a rich tomato-based sauce, then served on toasted buns with optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or jalapeños for extra zest. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for those craving a hearty and mildly spicy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Buns and Toppings
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even texture.
- Season the mixture: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add tomato paste: Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Toast buns: While the filling simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the spicy chicken mixture onto toasted buns and add your favorite toppings such as pickles, coleslaw, or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Add a splash of hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.
- For a dairy-free option, use oil instead of butter to toast buns.