Name: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients: 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); 4 sandwich buns (brioche or hamburger buns work well); 1 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns); Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or cheese

Description

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.

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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun-American