Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Turn up the heat and flavor with these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a bold, spicy Cajun-style tomato sauce, then piled high onto soft sandwich buns for a fun and fiery twist on the classic comfort food. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dinner is a weeknight lifesaver with bold flavor and just the right amount of kick.

Looking for more bold and flavorful meals like this? Subscribe now and get delicious new recipes sent straight to your inbox every week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Done in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Big on Flavor – Smoky, spicy, and savory thanks to Cajun spices and herbs.
Family Friendly – Adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Make the filling ahead and reheat when ready.
Healthier Twist – Ground chicken is a leaner option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cajun Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small celery stalk, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp brown sugar (balances out the spice)
• ¼ cup water (to loosen the mixture if needed)

For Serving:

• 4 sandwich buns (brioche or hamburger buns work well)
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns)
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Toaster or skillet for buns

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
Drain excess liquid if needed.

Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Mix well and add a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick.
Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.

Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the filling simmers, melt butter in a skillet or use a toaster.
Lightly toast the buns until golden brown for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken filling onto each bottom bun.
Top with your choice of sliced pickles, coleslaw, or cheese.
Place the top bun on and serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or chips.

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joes
Use Fresh Veggies – The classic “Cajun trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery builds amazing flavor.
Toast the Buns – This adds structure and prevents sogginess.
Adjust the Spice – Dial down or ramp up the cayenne to suit your taste.
Let It Simmer – A short simmer helps thicken the sauce and develop flavor.
Double the Batch – This filling freezes well and is great for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
With Cajun Fries – Pair with spicy baked or air-fried potato wedges.
Over Rice – Serve the filling over fluffy rice for a no-bun option.
Topped with Slaw – Add a scoop of creamy slaw for crunch and contrast.
Lettuce Wrap Style – For a low-carb version, use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
With Sweet Potato Chips – The sweetness complements the spicy filling beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based crumbles work well.

2. How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder taste.

3. What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Try soy sauce with a splash of vinegar for a similar umami boost.

4. Are Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes gluten-free?
The filling is naturally gluten-free—just use GF buns or serve over rice.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are bold, saucy, and packed with smoky Southern charm. They’re easy enough for a quick dinner but flavorful enough to make any night feel special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a go-to you’ll want to bookmark and return to again and again.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your version online. We’d love to see your spicy, sloppy, delicious creation!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 570mg

Print