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
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
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables.
- Introduce diced bell peppers and onions to the heated oil, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic into the vegetable mixture, stirring briefly to awaken its robust aroma and prevent burning.
- 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.
- Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by combining tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, transform hamburger buns into golden, crisp vessels by toasting them in a separate skillet or toaster until they develop a delectable crunch.
- Construct the sandwiches by generously spooning the spicy chicken mixture onto the bottom bun halves, creating a hearty foundation.
- Enhance the sandwich with optional toppings like tangy pickles, melted cheese, or creamy coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
- 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