Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, featuring seasoned ground chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with Cajun spices. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers bold flavor and a satisfying, hearty meal perfect for a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauces & Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Bread & Garnish
- 4 hamburger buns
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, frequently stirring to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the chicken. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices for a robust flavor.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust consistency with a splash of water or chicken broth if needed.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne for desired seasoning and heat level.
- Toast Buns (Optional): For toasted buns, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hamburger buns in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble Sloppy Joes: Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add your preferred toppings such as pickles, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Place the top buns over the filling, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately, ideally with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a green salad.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience or fresh for a fresher taste.
- Extra toppings like pickles, shredded cheese, or sour cream complement the spicy flavors well.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, substitute hamburger buns with gluten-free buns.
- Leftovers can be repurposed as a filling for wraps or served over rice.
