Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe: Savory & Flavor-Packed Dish

When I first tried making Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, I instantly knew this would be a regular on my dinner table. The spicy, smoky flavors with that saucy, messy goodness tucked inside toasted buns were simply irresistible.

I loved how quick it was to put together, yet it felt so satisfying. My family couldn’t stop reaching for seconds, and honestly, I couldn’t blame them. It’s one of those recipes that makes you smile after every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I used to bring bold Cajun flavors to life:

• 1 lb ground chicken – I like it because it’s lean and soaks up spices beautifully.
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced – adds sweetness and color.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – gives a savory base flavor.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic makes the sauce extra fragrant.
• ½ cup tomato sauce – creates a tangy, saucy texture.
• 3 tbsp ketchup – balances spice with a touch of sweetness.1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for that deep, savory kick.
• 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning – the heart of this recipe, spicy and bold.½ tsp smoked paprika – adds warmth and a smoky depth.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – perfect for sautéing veggies without sticking.
• Salt and pepper – to season just right.
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted – hold up to the saucy filling.
• Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw – for crunch and extra flavor.

Note: This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty alternatives:

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or pork for different flavor profiles.
• Make it vegetarian with black beans, lentils, or diced mushrooms.
• Use brioche buns for a buttery touch, whole wheat buns for nuttiness, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
• Add shredded cheese, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor layers.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet – to cook the chicken and sauce evenly.
• Wooden spoon – makes breaking apart the meat easier.
• Cutting board & knife – for prepping your veggies.
• Toaster or skillet – to toast your buns to perfection.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?

This recipe is simple, flavorful, and comes together quickly. Here’s how I make it:

Sauté the Vegetables

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I add the onion and bell pepper, letting them cook until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for the saucy filling.

Cook the Chicken

Next, I stir in the garlic and let it release its aroma for a minute. Then, I add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. I cook until the chicken is no longer pink and slightly browned so it’s juicy but full of flavor.

Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is ready, I mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I let everything simmer for 10 minutes so the spices blend into a rich, bold sauce.

Toast the Buns

While the sauce simmers, I toast the hamburger buns lightly. This makes them sturdier and prevents them from turning soggy once the filling is added.

Assemble and Serve

Finally, I spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each toasted bun. Sometimes I top mine with pickles, cheese, or coleslaw for crunch and extra flavor before closing them up and serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this a few times, and here are my go-to tips:

• Use fresh spices – they really make the Cajun flavor pop.
• Always toast the buns – it keeps them from getting soggy.
• If you like it less spicy, reduce Cajun seasoning or stir in a little sour cream to mellow the heat.
• Double the batch – this freezes beautifully, so I like to save some for quick future meals.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?

These sandwiches are already a showstopper, but you can elevate them even more. I love piling coleslaw right inside the sandwich for crunch. Sweet potato fries, chips, or a crisp salad pair wonderfully on the side. For drinks, I like iced tea on weekdays or a cold lager when serving friends.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s in each serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigeration

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating on the stovetop keeps the texture best.

Freezing

When I want to save some, I let the chicken mixture cool completely, then freeze it in a container for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I keep coming back to these sloppy joes:

• Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Big bold flavors – Cajun spices make every bite exciting.
• Customizable – works with different proteins, breads, or toppings.
• Family-approved – kids and adults both love it.
• Budget-friendly – uses simple, affordable ingredients.

Ash Tyrrell

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

When I first tried making Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, I instantly knew this would be a regular on my dinner table. The spicy, smoky flavors with that saucy, messy goodness tucked inside toasted buns were simply irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken – I like it because it’s lean and soaks up spices beautifully.
• 1 medium bell pepper diced – adds sweetness and color.
• 1 small onion finely chopped – gives a savory base flavor.
• 3 garlic cloves minced – fresh garlic makes the sauce extra fragrant.
• ½ cup tomato sauce – creates a tangy saucy texture.
• 3 tbsp ketchup – balances spice with a touch of sweetness.1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – for that deep savory kick.
• 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning – the heart of this recipe spicy and bold.½ tsp smoked paprika – adds warmth and a smoky depth.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – perfect for sautéing veggies without sticking.
• Salt and pepper – to season just right.
• 4 hamburger buns toasted – hold up to the saucy filling.
• Optional toppings: pickles shredded cheese, or coleslaw – for crunch and extra flavor.

Method

 

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I add the onion and bell pepper, letting them cook until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for the saucy filling.
2. Next, I stir in the garlic and let it release its aroma for a minute. Then, I add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. I cook until the chicken is no longer pink and slightly browned so it’s juicy but full of flavor.
3. Once the chicken is ready, I mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I let everything simmer for 10 minutes so the spices blend into a rich, bold sauce.
4. While the sauce simmers, I toast the hamburger buns lightly. This makes them sturdier and prevents them from turning soggy once the filling is added.
5. Finally, I spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each toasted bun. Sometimes I top mine with pickles, cheese, or coleslaw for crunch and extra flavor before closing them up and serving.

Notes

• Use fresh spices – they really make the Cajun flavor pop.
• Always toast the buns – it keeps them from getting soggy.
• If you like it less spicy, reduce Cajun seasoning or stir in a little sour cream to mellow the heat.
• Double the batch – this freezes beautifully, so I like to save some for quick future meals.