These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes take the classic American comfort sandwich and give it a bold Louisiana twist. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky, spicy Cajun sauce with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then piled high on toasted buns for a messy, flavor-packed meal. The first time I made this recipe, the aroma of sautéed vegetables and Cajun spices filled the kitchen—it was irresistible. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that make these Sloppy Joes unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms the traditional Sloppy Joe into something new and exciting. You’ll love how the Cajun seasoning adds depth and a touch of heat, while the creamy, saucy texture keeps it classic and satisfying. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and even better the next day as leftovers. Whether served on toasted brioche buns or alongside fries, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring Southern soul and comfort to your table.
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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes – Spicy, Saucy, and Comforting with a Southern Kick
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort sandwich. Made with tender ground chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, tangy sauce, these Sloppy Joes are smoky, creamy, and absolutely irresistible — perfect for quick weeknight meals or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toast hamburger buns lightly, then spoon the Cajun chicken mixture over the bottom halves.
- Top with shredded cheese (if using), green onions, and the top bun. Serve immediately with fries, chips, or coleslaw.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese before serving.
- Use ground turkey or beef if preferred — just adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra spice or a splash of hot sauce for tang.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days — great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Chicken: A lean, protein-packed base that absorbs all the bold Cajun flavors.
Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
Onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
Bell Peppers (red and green): Bring color, texture, and that signature Cajun flavor balance.
Garlic: Enhances the savoriness of the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: A robust mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme for that Southern heat.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce’s richness and adds a touch of sweetness.
Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Forms the saucy base of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
Brown Sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with subtle sweetness.
Hot Sauce (optional): For extra kick if you like it fiery.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Brioche or Hamburger Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding the filling.
Butter (for toasting buns): Adds flavor and crispness to the sandwich base.
Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness.
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), and brown sugar. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. If you prefer a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
Butter the buns and toast them lightly in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown. Spoon the hot Cajun chicken mixture onto the buns, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
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
Serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the chicken mixture (without the buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. You can also freeze the filling for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Cajun Sloppy Joes: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamy, gooey texture.
Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
Creamy Cajun Joes: Mix in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for a smooth, rich sauce.
Cajun Chicken & Sausage Joes: Combine ground chicken with diced andouille sausage for extra smoky flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
BBQ Cajun Joes: Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Vegetable-Packed Joes: Add corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture.
Tex-Mex Style: Top with jalapeños and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Garlic Toast Sloppy Joes: Serve the filling on toasted garlic bread for extra flavor.
Breakfast Cajun Joes: Add a fried egg on top for a Southern brunch-inspired sandwich.
FAQs
How spicy are these Sloppy Joes?
They have a mild-to-moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning or omitting the hot sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly and absorbs the same flavors.
What buns work best?
Soft brioche or potato rolls hold the filling well and complement the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully—make the filling a day ahead and store in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but taste and adjust the salt content—some brands are saltier than others.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip the butter or cream and use olive oil instead.
What sides go best with it?
Serve with coleslaw, fries, or a simple green salad.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shred cooked chicken and simmer it in the sauce for a quick version.
Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely—melted pepper jack or cheddar is delicious on top of these sandwiches.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months; just reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a fiery, flavorful twist on the beloved comfort classic. With juicy ground chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, savory sauce, they’re messy in the best possible way. Quick to make and bursting with Southern flavor, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple. Serve them up on buttery toasted buns for a satisfying meal that brings a little Louisiana heat to your kitchen.
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