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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

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Take your sandwich night to the next level with these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Ground chicken is fired up with bold Cajun seasoning, cooked alongside peppers and onion, and brought together with a rich tomato sauce. Pile it high on toasted buns and top as you like—cheese, pickles, or coleslaw work great. You can have this tasty meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re short on time but need big flavor. Makes 4 hearty servings with ingredients you probably already have.
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Updated on Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:03:04 GMT
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Delicious Cajun Chicken Sandwich | yummygusto.com

Experience the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with these hearty Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Ground chicken simmers with aromatic vegetables and signature Southern spices in a rich, zesty sauce that transforms an everyday sandwich into a memorable meal with New Orleans flair.

This recipe emerged from countless hours perfecting the classic flavors of Louisiana home cooking. The combination of tender ground chicken and traditional Cajun spices creates a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: Select 93% lean for optimal flavor and juiciness
  • Bell peppers: Use fresh, crisp peppers for authentic Cajun trinity base
  • Cajun seasoning: Choose low-sodium blends to control overall salt content
  • Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce
  • Tomato sauce: Creates a rich base without competing flavors
  • Worcestershire sauce: Provides essential depth and umami notes

Preparation Method

Prepare Base:
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onions and peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook Chicken:
Add ground chicken to vegetables. Break into small pieces and cook until no pink remains.
Season Mixture:
Incorporate Cajun seasoning, ensuring even distribution. Add paprika and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly.
Build Sauce:
Pour in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.
Finish:
Adjust seasonings to taste. Sauce should coat ingredients evenly without being too thick.
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Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Jo | yummygusto.com

Each brand of Cajun seasoning offers slightly different flavor profiles. Start conservatively with seasonings and adjust to taste, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber salad. Add crunch with classic coleslaw or heat with pickled peppers.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey for a different flavor profile, adjust spice levels to taste, or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage Instructions

Store in airtight containers for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain proper consistency. Flavors develop further during storage.

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Close-up Cajun Chicken Sloppy Jo Recipe | yummygusto.com

This Cajun-inspired version elevates the classic Sloppy Joe while maintaining its cherished comfort food status. Quality ingredients and balanced seasonings transform simple components into an exceptional meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prep Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the chicken filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Warm it up gently on the stove before serving with fresh buns.
→ What sides go well with these sandwiches?
Potato chips, coleslaw, a light green salad, or a handful of french fries all make excellent choices.
→ Can the meat mixture be frozen?
Yep! Keep the cooked filling in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat when needed.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level lands in the middle, but you can tone it down or crank it up depending on the Cajun seasoning you use.
→ Can turkey replace chicken in this recipe?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and works just as well without any extra adjustments.

Zesty Chicken Sandwich

This twist on the classic sandwich blends ground chicken and Cajun spices for a quick and mouthwatering meal idea.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Fast & Simple

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun-American Blend

Yield: 4 Servings (4 hearty sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey
02 1 small onion, chopped finely
03 1 bell pepper, diced into tiny pieces
04 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced

→ Sauce and Spices

05 1/4 cup of sweet ketchup (4 tbsp)
06 1 can (8 ounces) of crushed tomato sauce
07 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 1 tbsp Cajun spice mix
09 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 Freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste
11 1 tbsp olive oil, for heating in the pan

→ Serving Suggestions

12 4 fluffy hamburger buns
13 Optional: pickled cucumbers sliced thin
14 Optional: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
15 Optional: creamy coleslaw topping

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up some olive oil in a big skillet set over a medium flame. Add your diced onion and bell pepper once the oil is glossy, letting them soften and stir occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 02

Add your minced garlic to the skillet and stir it in just until it smells incredible, around 60 seconds. Avoid letting it brown!

Step 03

Place the ground chicken into the pan, and with a wooden spoon, break it apart into small crumbles. Cook it until it’s fully done—no pink left—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 04

Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, then let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 05

Lightly toast your hamburger buns in a toaster or on a skillet until golden and slightly firm.

Step 06

Spoon a big scoop of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Throw on your favorite toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw work great. Add the top buns, and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Use sturdy bread like brioche or kaiser rolls to avoid a soggy sandwich experience
  2. You can tweak the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper in the seasoning

Tools You'll Need

  • A large non-stick skillet
  • A sturdy wooden cooking spoon
  • Knife and cutting board for meal prep
  • Measuring spoons and cups for accuracy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • The buns have gluten, unless you grab a gluten-free alternative
  • Dairy will be present if cheese is added as a topping

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 22 g