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Benjamin

Best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes – Easy & Spicy Recipe

Take your sloppy joes to the next level with this Cajun chicken twist! Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a bold, smoky sauce packed with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and a touch of sweetness. Piled high on a soft, toasted bun, these sandwiches are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers mix of red, green, or yellow
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 brioche or hamburger buns toasted

Method
 

  1. Prep Your Ingredients
  2. Dice the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic before starting. Measure out the seasonings and set everything within reach.
  3. Cook the Vegetables
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Brown the Chicken
  6. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink.
  7. Build the Sauce
  8. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and ketchup. Stir until combined. For extra spice, mix in hot sauce.
  9. Simmer to Combine Flavors
  10. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.
  11. Toast the Buns
  12. While the chicken mixture simmers, lightly toast the buns. Toasting adds structure to the bun and prevents it from getting soggy.
  13. Assemble and Serve
  14. Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

    • Adjust Spice Levels: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so start with less and adjust as you go.
    • Make It Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made a day ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
    • Freezer-Friendly: Store the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
    • Substitutes: Ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based alternative can be used in place of ground chicken.
    • Customizable Toppings: Add coleslaw, pickles, or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
 

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