Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
A spicy, comforting, and flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe combining tender ground chicken with bold Cajun spices in a smoky, tangy sauce. Perfect for quick, family-friendly weeknight dinners served on soft buns with endless customization options.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 4 hamburger buns or slider rolls
Optional Variations & Extras
- Extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste (for a spicier kick)
- Pepper jack or cheddar cheese slices (for a cheesy finish)
- Plant-based crumbles or lentils (for a vegetarian option)
- Whole wheat or gluten-free buns
- A few drops of liquid smoke (to boost smoky flavor)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice the onion and bell peppers to provide sweetness and crunch that balance the spice in the dish.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly and infuse the dish with signature Cajun flavor.
- Add the Sauce Components: Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and honey or brown sugar. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld.
- Simmer and Adjust: Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional hot sauce as desired.
- Toast the Buns and Serve: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to prevent sogginess and add crunch. Spoon generous amounts of the Cajun chicken filling onto each bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or homemade Cajun seasoning for vibrant flavor.
- Don’t skip the simmer step to thicken sauce and enhance texture.
- Toasting buns prevents soggy sandwiches and adds great contrast.
- Adjust heat gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
- The filling can be made ahead and reheated without losing quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken sloppy joes, spicy chicken sandwich, quick weeknight dinner, healthy sloppy joes, family friendly, gluten-free sloppy joes