Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, bringing a spicy, smoky kick to the kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken with vibrant Cajun spices and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, chopped or shredded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns or soft rolls of your choice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Shred if preferred.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken. Add more broth if needed for desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Toast the buns. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bun. Optionally top with cheddar cheese, then close with the top bun. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or plant-based protein as alternatives to chicken for a different flavor or dietary preference.
• Omit hot sauce for a milder dish, or substitute it with honey to add a touch of sweetness.
• Make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper for a fresh spice blend.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Keep buns separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken mixture can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before assembling the sandwiches for best flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad to balance the bold flavors.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Tender chicken breasts are seared and simmered with a vibrant blend of Cajun spices, vegetables, and tangy tomato sauce to create a smoky, spicy filling. Served on toasted buns, these sloppy joes deliver a perfectly balanced taste with a hint of heat, making them an ideal quick and hearty meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Meat

• 2 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, chopped or shredded)

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauces & Liquids

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)

Sweetener

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Bread

• 4 hamburger buns or soft rolls of your choice

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Shred the chicken if preferred for a sloppy joe texture.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
3. Add Seasonings & Sauces: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables and chicken evenly, cooking for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more broth to reach the desired consistency.
5. Assemble & Serve: Toast the hamburger buns until golden brown. Spoon the hot Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom buns. Optionally, top with cheddar cheese before placing the top bun. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the spicy, savory flavors.

Notes

• For a milder version, omit the hot sauce or replace it with honey to add a touch of sweetness.
• You can substitute chicken with ground turkey or a plant-based protein for alternative diets.
• Make your own Cajun seasoning blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper if you don’t have a pre-made mix.
• Adding cheddar cheese as a topping adds richness and balances the spice.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken, Sloppy Joes, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Cajun Seasoning, Easy Chicken Recipe