Description
Spicy Cajun chicken sloppy joes bring Southern comfort to your dinner table with bold, zesty flavors. Hearty and messy, these sandwiches deliver a kick that will make you crave more with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients and Base:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
- Incorporate ground chicken and whole chicken breasts into the skillet, breaking the ground meat into crumbly pieces and cooking until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle all dry spices – Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt – evenly over the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the robust seasonings.
- Pour tomato sauce, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the skillet, stirring to create a rich, spicy sauce that coats the chicken completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Shred the chicken breasts directly in the skillet using two forks, ensuring they are fully integrated with the saucy mixture.
- Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp, then generously spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bun.
- Serve immediately while the Sloppy Joes are hot and sauce is steaming, offering a zesty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to control spice intensity, catering to different heat tolerances by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For a healthier version, swap ground chicken with lean ground turkey or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
- Create a dairy-free option by using gluten-free buns and omitting cheese, ensuring the dish remains flavorful and inclusive for various dietary needs.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing the chicken mixture ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheating when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg