Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting these cajun chicken sloppy joes will spark an instant flavor explosion in your kitchen.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender meat, creating a meal that breaks traditional sandwich boundaries.

Unexpected combinations of zesty spices and hearty chicken promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Southern-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to produce an unforgettable dish that tingles taste buds.

Each bite carries robust cajun notes that remind you of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage.

Seasoned home cooks and adventurous eaters alike will adore this mouthwatering recipe that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Jump in and savor every single, spice-packed moment of this incredible meal.

Why Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Are Anything But Ordinary

• Quickly Customize Flavor: Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing hot sauce, making this recipe perfect for every spice tolerance.
• Bring Family Together: Create a fun, interactive meal where everyone can build their own sloppy joe with different toppings and cheese options.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single skillet recipe that delivers maximum flavor and minimal dish washing.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Transform this recipe into meal prep, party food, or weeknight dinner with simple ingredient swaps and creative serving styles.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Ground Chicken: Lean and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the sloppy joe mixture.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that provide a sweet and crisp base for the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a rich and tangy base for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, savory undertone to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings a spicy and bold Cajun-style flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the spiciness with a subtle sweetness.
• Hot Sauce: Offers an optional kick of heat for spice lovers.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft bread to hold the spicy chicken mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for a bright and colorful garnish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and create a flavorful cooking base.

Simple Steps to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sizzle the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create a perfect cooking foundation.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Bell peppers

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Bloom the Garlic

Introduce minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its intense flavor.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat loses its pink color, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Sprinkle cajun seasoning across the meat, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spicy blend evenly.

Step 6: Create the Saucy Base

• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix well to combine all flavors.

Step 7: Balance the Flavor Profile

• Brown sugar
• Hot sauce

This adds depth and a subtle kick to the mixture.

Step 8: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes. The sauce will thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Adjust the taste with salt and black pepper to your preference.

Step 10: Prepare the Buns

Toast hamburger buns until they’re golden and crisp.

Step 11: Optional Cheese Enhancement

Melt cheddar cheese on the bottom bun for extra richness.

Step 12: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Generously spoon the spicy chicken mixture onto the prepared buns.

Step 13: Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbal note.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot, ready to delight your taste buds with bold Cajun-inspired flavors.

Tips to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Stand Out

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add an extra pinch of cajun seasoning for a more robust and spicy profile that will elevate the entire dish.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer the mixture uncovered to help reduce liquid and achieve the perfect thick, clingy sauce texture for your sloppy joes.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for even more delicious results.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace hamburger buns with lettuce wraps or serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this classic comfort food.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Briefly broil the cheese-topped buns to create a golden, bubbly cheese layer that adds extra richness and visual appeal.

Spicy Twists on Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Seafood Sensation: Replace ground chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat, maintaining the zesty cajun seasoning for a coastal-inspired sloppy joe.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap ground chicken for ground lamb, adding feta cheese and tzatziki sauce to create a Greek-style sloppy joe with Mediterranean flair.
• Veggie Volcano: Substitute ground chicken with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms, keeping the spicy cajun profile for a vegetarian version.
• Southwest Stampede: Use ground turkey instead of chicken, incorporate black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a southwestern-inspired rendition.

What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Savor Refreshing Beer Pairing: Louisiana-style craft beer like Abita Amber cuts through the spicy richness, complementing the cajun chicken's bold flavors with its malty undertones.
• Cool Down with Crisp Coleslaw: Tangy, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy sloppy joe, balancing heat with its crunchy texture and creamy dressing.
• Amplify Flavor with Zesty Cocktail: Spicy margarita featuring jalapeño-infused tequila matches the cajun seasoning, enhancing the dish's fiery profile while offering a zingy, refreshing counterpoint.

Storing Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes the Easy Way

• Store leftover Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat and sauce separate from the buns to prevent sogginess.
• Carefully transfer the cooled chicken mixture to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring you label the container with the date.
• Thaw frozen sloppy joe mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry.

Sloppy Joe FAQs for Cajun Chicken Lovers

• What are Cajun Sloppy Joes?

A hearty sandwich featuring ground chicken seasoned with authentic cajun spices, mixed into a rich, tangy sauce and served on toasted hamburger buns for a spicy twist on the classic sloppy joe.

• How spicy are these Cajun Sloppy Joes?

The spice level is customizable through cajun seasoning and optional hot sauce. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning or adding more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the cajun seasonings and sauce, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes blend Southern comfort with zesty Creole flavors, creating a mouthwatering sandwich that dances with bold, tangy notes. Hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 4 hamburger buns

Cajun Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup bell peppers

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

Garnish and Extras:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the chicken.
2. Add finely chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle cajun seasoning evenly across the meat, stirring to distribute the spicy blend thoroughly.
6. Pour in tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, and worcestershire sauce, creating a rich and tangy mixture.
7. Stir in brown sugar and hot sauce, balancing the flavors with a subtle sweetness and optional heat.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavors.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
10. Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp.
11. Optional: Melt cheddar cheese on the bottom bun for extra richness.
12. Generously spoon the spicy chicken mixture onto prepared buns.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
14. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the bold cajun-inspired sloppy joe experience.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cajun seasoning and hot sauce for personal spice tolerance.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for protein variety and different flavor profiles.
• Use low-carb buns or lettuce wraps to make this recipe keto and gluten-free friendly.
• Consider preparing mixture ahead of time, as flavors intensify when allowed to meld in refrigerator overnight.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg