Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful and spicy twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with aromatic vegetables, bold Cajun spices, and a tangy tomato sauce, then served on toasted hamburger buns for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Increase cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Preheat Oven for Buns (optional): If toasting buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast Buns: Slice hamburger buns in half, place on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Toppings: Place the top bun over the filling. Add optional toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, alongside coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a green salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- If the chicken mixture is too thick during simmering, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- To add more depth, you can substitute some of the diced tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Optional toppings like cheese or sour cream help balance the spice and add creaminess.
- This recipe works well with ground turkey or lean ground beef as substitutes for ground chicken.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be used as a filling for wraps or served over rice for a different meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken, sloppy joes, spicy chicken sandwich, ground chicken recipe, Cajun seasoning, quick weeknight dinner
