If you love bold Southern flavors and easy weeknight meals, these Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are about to become a new favorite. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a zesty Cajun-spiced sauce, then piled high on toasted buns with a creamy, tangy topping. It’s a fiery twist on the classic sloppy joe—comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly messy in the best way possible.
The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how quickly they came together. Once, I topped them with melted pepper jack cheese, and the combination of spice and creaminess was out of this world. Whether you’re feeding the family or spicing up your dinner routine, this recipe delivers heat, heartiness, and loads of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are everything you love about traditional sloppy joes—with an extra Cajun kick. The smoky, spicy sauce perfectly coats tender ground chicken, and the result is a sandwich that’s saucy, savory, and totally satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: Spicy, Saucy, and Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe — these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes feature tender ground chicken simmered in a zesty, spicy Cajun sauce, served on toasted buns for a deliciously messy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche rolls
- 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors blend.
- Meanwhile, butter the buns and toast them on a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto toasted buns and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of fries, chips, or coleslaw.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference — add more for extra heat.
- Try topping with melted cheese or a spoonful of coleslaw for extra flavor.
- Use ground turkey or beef as an alternative protein.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course / Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Cajun Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground chicken – A lean, flavorful base that absorbs all the bold Cajun seasoning.
Olive oil or butter – Helps brown the chicken and adds richness.
Onion (diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Green bell pepper (diced) – Brings color and classic Cajun flair.
Garlic (minced) – Enhances the savory notes of the sauce.
Tomato sauce – Forms the base of the saucy mixture.
Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang for that signature sloppy joe taste.
Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami flavor.
Cajun seasoning – The star of the show—spicy, smoky, and full of Louisiana flavor.
Paprika and cayenne (optional) – For extra heat and color.
Brown sugar – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Burger buns or brioche rolls – Soft and buttery, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Coleslaw or shredded lettuce (optional) – Adds crunch and contrast when served on top.
Pepper jack cheese (optional) – Melts beautifully for extra creaminess.
Directions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer: Let the mixture cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
- Toast the buns: While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the buns or rolls in a skillet or oven for a few minutes until golden.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with cheese, coleslaw, or shredded lettuce if desired, and finish with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of fries, sweet potato chips, or a crisp salad.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. The mixture can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cajun Ranch Chicken Joes
Stir in a tablespoon of ranch dressing or top with ranch slaw for a cool, creamy contrast.
Cheesy Cajun Joes
Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack directly into the sauce for extra cheesiness.
Spicy BBQ Cajun Joes
Add a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet-spicy flavor combo.
Vegetable Cajun Joes
Add diced zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Cajun Turkey Sloppy Joes
Substitute ground turkey for chicken for a leaner version with the same great taste.
Sloppy Joe Bowls
Serve the Cajun chicken mixture over rice, baked potatoes, or fries instead of buns.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
2. How spicy are these sloppy joes?
Mild to medium—adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne to your taste.
3. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, the filling reheats beautifully and can be made up to two days ahead.
4. What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
Use your favorite brand, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
5. Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground?
Absolutely—just simmer shredded chicken in the sauce until heated through.
6. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
7. Can I serve this without buns?
Yes, it’s delicious over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes.
8. How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream toward the end of cooking.
9. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet and adjust the seasonings to taste.
10. What side dishes pair well with this?
Try Cajun fries, coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted corn on the cob.
Conclusion
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes take the classic sandwich and crank up the flavor with bold Cajun spices, juicy chicken, and a perfectly saucy texture. They’re quick, satisfying, and packed with Southern charm—ideal for any night you want comfort food with a little kick. Serve them with a side of fries or a crisp salad, and get ready to fall in love with this spicy, savory twist on a classic favorite.
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