Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food sandwich. Made with seasoned ground chicken, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun spices, this dish packs a spicy punch and comes together quickly—making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Served on soft sandwich buns, these sloppy joes offer a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the nostalgia of a traditional sloppy joe and adds a Cajun-inspired kick.
-
Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less.
-
Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
-
Lighter option: Made with ground chicken for a leaner, yet satisfying, filling.
-
Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
-
Family-friendly: A fun, flavorful spin on a familiar dish.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb ground chicken
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
½ onion, finely diced
-
1 bell pepper, finely diced (any color)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
½ cup tomato sauce
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance heat)
-
4 sandwich buns, toasted
directions
-
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
-
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
-
Stir in the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
-
Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
-
Mix in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy version: Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
-
Cheesy Cajun Joes: Top with shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese before serving.
-
Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
-
Veggie-loaded: Add diced zucchini or mushrooms for more vegetables.
-
Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for a creamier texture.
storage/reheating
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
You can also freeze the filling for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and pairs nicely with Cajun spices.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a moderate heat level from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice to your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
What kind of buns work best?
Brioche buns, hamburger buns, or even crusty rolls all work well for this recipe.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, the base recipe is dairy-free. Just avoid adding cheese if serving
Print
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Spice up your dinner with these bold and flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! This quick and easy weeknight recipe brings a zesty Southern twist to the classic sloppy joe, using ground chicken, Cajun seasoning, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground chicken
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1/2 onion, finely diced
-
1 bell pepper, finely diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 cup tomato sauce
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
4 burger buns
-
Optional: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, or coleslaw for topping
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Toast buns lightly if desired, and scoop the mixture onto the bottom half.
Add any desired toppings, then place the top bun and serve hot.
Notes
-
Adjust the Cajun seasoning for a milder or spicier taste.
-
Ground turkey or beef can be used as a substitute for chicken.
-
Great with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
