Description
Smoky, saucy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes made with ground chicken, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, tomato sauce, and toasted buns. A quick, bold weeknight dinner for 4.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 hamburger buns
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, then cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Add the ground chicken and break it up as it cooks.
5. Cook until the chicken no longer looks pink.
6. Mix in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir until the chicken gets well coated with the spices.
8. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
9. Let the mixture simmer until thickened and saucy, stirring occasionally.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11. Toast the hamburger buns.
12. Spoon the warm Cajun chicken filling onto the toasted buns and serve.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning.
For a milder version, use less seasoning or choose a low heat Cajun blend.
The mixture should taste thick but still saucy.
If the filling gets too dry, add a splash of chicken broth.
Toasting the buns improves texture and helps prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little added liquid.
Ground turkey can replace ground chicken.
Serve the filling over rice or in lettuce wraps for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun Inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 400 to 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg