Description
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe offers a deliciously spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Made with ground chicken and a blend of Cajun spices, it’s a quick and easy stovetop meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Toasted buns hold the savory, thickened chicken mixture, making each bite satisfying and packed with zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter or oil for toasting buns
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully cooked with no pink remaining, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor and blend it into the mixture.
- Add Sauces and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Toast Buns: While the filling simmers, toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet with a little butter or oil until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the toasted buns and serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Enhance with toppings like sliced pickles, coleslaw, or melted cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Pair the sandwiches with sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
- Ground turkey can be a substitute if you prefer a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
