Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe That Kids Love

Spicy aromas and bold flavors dance together in these irresistible Cajun chicken sloppy joes that will set your taste buds ablaze.

Southern comfort meets zesty kick in a sandwich that packs serious punch.

Each bite delivers a mouthwatering blend of seasoned chicken and robust spices.

The recipe brings together classic sloppy joe comfort with a fiery Cajun twist that elevates every single mouthful.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with bell peppers and a rich, tangy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing meal.

These sloppy joes are sure to become your new go-to recipe for delicious, hassle-free eating.

Why Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Hit the Spot

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Cajun chicken sloppy joes bring exciting flavors that transform ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.
• Create Quick Comfort Food: Whip up this delicious recipe in less than 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match optional toppings like pickles, cheese, or coleslaw to personalize each sandwich and cater to different taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This dish works wonderfully for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or spontaneous family meals that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein perfect for a zesty sloppy joe.

• Bell Pepper, Onion: Colorful and crunchy vegetables that add depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A small but mighty ingredient that brings amazing flavor.

• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: Classic sauce components that create a rich base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complex flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Spicy and smoky seasonings that give a bold kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft and sturdy bread perfect for holding the saucy mixture.

• Pickles, Shredded Cheese, Coleslaw: Fun additions that personalize the sandwich.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that helps cook the vegetables and prevent sticking.

Making Spicy Chicken Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until they become soft and slightly translucent.

The vegetables will release their aromatic flavors and create a delicious base for the dish.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning.

Cook for about 60 seconds until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Brown Ground Chicken

Incorporate ground chicken into the vegetable mixture.

Use a wooden spoon to break down the meat into small crumbles.

Cook thoroughly until the chicken turns completely white and loses its pink color, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Zesty Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer.

This process helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken, creating a rich and tangy base.

Step 5: Prepare Crispy Buns

While the chicken simmers, toast hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.

Aim for a golden-brown color that provides a satisfying crunch when bitten.

Step 6: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

Generously spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom bun halves.

• Sliced pickles
• Shredded cheese
• Coleslaw

Place the top bun halves to complete the sandwiches.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Plate the sloppy joes immediately while they’re hot.

These messy, flavor-packed sandwiches are perfect for a casual meal that will delight family and friends.

Tips for Bold, Saucy Chicken Sliders

• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to match your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot for personalized heat intensity.
• Prepare chicken mixture ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners quick and effortless.
• Easily substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for varied protein options and different flavor profiles.
• Swap traditional hamburger buns with lettuce wraps, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free options for diet-friendly modifications.
• Add extra depth by incorporating a splash of hot sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a few drops of liquid smoke for enhanced taste complexity.

How to Store Cajun Chicken Joes

• Store leftover Cajun chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled sloppy joe mixture to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching 165°F internal temperature. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Perfect Pairings for Spicy Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Pair Spicy Zinfandel: Select a bold, fruity red wine with peppery notes that can stand up to the Cajun spices and complement the chicken's rich flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Crisp Pilsner: Choose a light, refreshing beer with subtle hop characteristics that will balance the heat and cut through the saucy sandwich's intensity.
• Creamy Coleslaw Side: Create a tangy, cool coleslaw with mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy Cajun chicken and cleanse the palate.
• Pickle-Infused Cocktail: Mix a zesty pickle martini or bloody mary with extra hot sauce to echo the Cajun seasoning and add another layer of spicy complexity to the meal.

Flavorful Takes on Cajun Sloppy Joes

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives for a meatless version that maintains the Cajun flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Skip the buns and serve the Cajun chicken mixture inside large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free option that reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly different protein option that still captures the spicy Cajun seasoning essence.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of buns, and ensure the sauce ingredients are low-carb, creating a ketogenic-friendly adaptation of the original recipe.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices originating from Louisiana, typically containing paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. It adds a bold, zesty flavor to dishes with a signature Louisiana-style heat.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give you a similar texture and flavor profile. The cooking method remains exactly the same as with ground chicken.

• How spicy are these Sloppy Joes?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most store-bought Cajun seasonings provide a moderate heat, but you can control the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot blend, or adjusting the amount of seasoning added.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

While Cajun seasoning has some heat, you can easily make this recipe mild by reducing the Cajun seasoning or using a very mild blend. Kids often enjoy the saucy, messy nature of Sloppy Joes, so it can be a fun meal for the whole family.

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring zesty Southern flavors to classic comfort food, blending bold Creole seasonings with hearty ground chicken. Saucy, tangy, and packed with kicks of cayenne, you’ll savor each messy, irresistible bite of this soulful sandwich.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 hamburger buns

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Optional Topping Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables.
2. Introduce diced bell peppers and onions to the heated oil, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, stirring briefly to awaken its robust aroma and prevent burning.
4. Gently add ground chicken to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles and cook until it transitions from pink to a uniform white color.
5. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by combining tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
6. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing the seasonings to meld and the sauce to gradually thicken and intensify, creating a rich and complex flavor base.
7. Meanwhile, transform hamburger buns into golden, crisp vessels by toasting them in a separate skillet or toaster until they develop a delectable crunch.
8. Construct the sandwiches by generously spooning the spicy chicken mixture onto the bottom bun halves, creating a hearty foundation.
9. Enhance the sandwich with optional toppings like tangy pickles, melted cheese, or creamy coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
10. Crown each sandwich with the toasted top bun and serve immediately, ready to delight in these messy, flavor-packed Cajun chicken sloppy joes.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter or vegetarian versions of this classic dish.
• Dial down the Cajun seasoning for sensitive palates or add extra for those craving intense spice levels.
• Skip toasting buns if short on time, but a quick toast boosts the sandwich’s texture and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Keep extra seasoning and hot sauce nearby for personalized flavor adjustments right at the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg