Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold twist on a nostalgic classic. Combining the saucy comfort of traditional Sloppy Joes with spicy, smoky Cajun flavors, this dish is weeknight-friendly, party-ready, and always a hit. Think juicy ground chicken simmered with peppers, onions, garlic, and a zesty tomato-based sauce—all piled high on a toasted bun.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or spicing up your dinner routine, this recipe brings the flavor and fun in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Bold Cajun Flavor: A spicy twist on the traditional Sloppy Joe.
- Weeknight Winner: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Lighter Protein: Uses lean ground chicken instead of beef.
- Customizable: Add toppings or use different buns for your perfect version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for later.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
1️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion, and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
2️⃣ Brown the Chicken
Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
3️⃣ Add Sauce & Spices
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Toast the Buns
Toast hamburger buns in a dry skillet or toaster until golden brown.
5️⃣ Assemble & Serve
Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom bun, add desired toppings, and finish with the top bun. Serve hot and enjoy!
Optional Add-Ons
- Make It Cheesy: Melt cheddar or pepper jack on top.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle with extra cayenne or hot sauce.
- Fresh Finish: Top with coleslaw for a creamy crunch.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are spicy, satisfying, and seriously crave-worthy. They’re easy enough for busy nights and impressive enough for casual get-togethers. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever made plain Sloppy Joes again.
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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold twist on a nostalgic classic. Combining the saucy comfort of traditional Sloppy Joes with spicy, smoky Cajun flavors, this dish is weeknight-friendly, party-ready, and always a hit. Think juicy ground chicken simmered with peppers, onions, garlic, and a zesty tomato-based sauce—all piled high on a toasted bun.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion, and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast hamburger buns in a dry skillet or toaster until golden brown.
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom bun, add desired toppings, and finish with the top bun. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Top with cheddar, pepper jack, or coleslaw. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat. Double the batch and freeze for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, ground chicken, easy dinner, spicy sandwich