Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with a blend of Cajun spices, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, then simmered with diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar for a rich, tangy, and mildly spicy filling. Served on toasted hamburger buns and garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously bold dinner option that can be prepared in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Condiments & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 hamburger buns
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Add Sauces and Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Preheat Oven for Toasting Buns: If you prefer toasted buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast Buns: Slice the hamburger buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the chicken mixture is ready and the buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Toppings: Top with the other half of the bun. Add extra toppings like sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, paired with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dish.
- For a richer flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water to thin the mixture if needed.
- To make the buns extra flavorful, you can butter them lightly before toasting.
- Leftovers can be repurposed as a filling for wraps or served over rice for a quick meal.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free buns and Worcestershire sauce.
