Today, Aaron Brown aka AB brings some Southern charm to your kitchen with a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit for a tangy twist on brunch or with a gaggle of armchair quarterbacks, Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! Imagine all the juicy, zesty, and smoky flavors of a Cajun spice blend, paired with tender ground chicken and smothered in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s got that perfect mix of heat and comfort, all packed into one delicious sandwich.
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes:
1 lb ground chicken
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Cook the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. This will give a nice, sweet base flavor to your Sloppy Joes.
Add the Garlic: Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or so, just until it becomes fragrant. You don’t want to burn the garlic, so keep an eye on it!
Cook the Chicken: Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—ground chicken. Add the chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Make sure the chicken is well-browned to enhance its flavor.
Add the Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Toast the Buns: While your Cajun chicken mixture is simmering away, grab your hamburger buns and toast them in a separate skillet or a toaster until they’re golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch to the sandwich and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the chicken mixture is ready, spoon it generously onto the bottom halves of your toasted buns. Pile on any optional toppings you like—sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or a dollop of coleslaw are all great choices. Place the top halves of the buns on top, and get ready to dig in!
Serve: Serve your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes hot and fresh, and enjoy the bold, flavorful bite!
