The first bite is bold and saucy, with smoky Cajun spices mixed into tender chicken. The flavor is rich, messy, and perfect on a soft bun.
I made these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes on a weeknight when I wanted comfort food with a kick. The kitchen smelled spicy and warm, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in.
If you love dinners that are quick, cozy, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you. Let’s pile that Cajun chicken onto buns and make a meal everyone will crave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun Flavors: A perfect blend of spices creates an authentic Louisiana taste experience.
- Lighter Than Beef: Ground chicken makes this a healthier option without losing any flavor.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.
- Perfect for Crowds: Easy to double or triple for parties and gatherings.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people generously. Need more? Double the recipe and use a larger skillet.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress experienced cooks.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for mixing spices
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
For the Cajun Seasoning Blend:
- Paprika: Adds color and mild pepper flavor
- Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor base
- Oregano: Brings herbal notes
- Thyme: Adds earthy complexity
- Cayenne Pepper: Gives the signature Cajun heat
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- Ground Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully
- Olive Oil: For cooking and added richness
- Onion: Creates a flavorful base
- Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch
- Garlic: Fresh flavor that complements the spices
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor
- Tomato Sauce: Creates the signature sloppy joe consistency
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and heat
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings
For Serving:
- Burger Buns: Soft buns that hold up to the filling
- Butter: For toasting the buns
- Cheese: Optional melted cheese topping
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and cooling effect
- Pickles: Tangy contrast to the spicy filling
- Jalapeños: Extra heat for spice lovers
Variations for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Add Extra Vegetables: Mix in diced celery or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Use Different Peppers: Try poblano or serrano peppers for varied heat levels.
- Make It Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice blend.
- Cheese Options: Use pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bread Alternatives: Serve on cornbread, over rice, or in lettuce cups for low-carb option.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This homemade blend is fresher than store-bought.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Dice the onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic finely for even distribution.
3. Cook the Chicken Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Season and Build Flavor
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning blend over the chicken mixture. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop deeper flavors.
6. Create the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Prepare the Buns
While the mixture simmers, butter the burger buns and toast them in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Present these flavorful sandwiches with style and complementary sides:
- Classic Style: Serve on toasted buns with a side of coleslaw and pickles
- Loaded Version: Top with melted cheese and fresh jalapeño slices
- Family Style: Set up a toppings bar with cheese, coleslaw, pickles, and extra jalapeños
- Over Rice: Serve the mixture over steamed rice for a low-carb alternative
- With Sweet Potato Fries: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal
Storing Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Refrigerator: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- Freezer: The chicken mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Ground chicken can become dry quickly, so watch the cooking time carefully
- Taste and Adjust: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to reach your preferred heat level
- Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to simmer long enough for flavors to meld together
- Toast the Buns: This prevents soggy sandwiches and adds extra texture
- Prep Ahead: The filling can be made a day ahead and reheated when ready to serve
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish/Sandwich
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 burger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional toppings: cheese, coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños
Instructions
- Mix Spices: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Season: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over mixture and stir in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Create Sauce: Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- Toast Buns: Butter buns and toast until golden brown in a separate pan or under broiler.
- Serve: Spoon chicken mixture onto bottom buns. Add desired toppings and crown with top bun.
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes FAQs
Yes, the chicken mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
The heat level is mild to medium. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
You can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought Cajun seasoning, though homemade tastes fresher.
Always toast the buns and serve immediately after assembling the sandwiches.
Conclusion
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes deliver bold Louisiana flavors in a family-friendly package that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The homemade Cajun seasoning blend creates an authentic taste that’s far superior to store-bought versions, while the ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef sloppy joes.
I’ve used these ingredients to cook this recipe: ground chicken, olive oil, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, jalapeños, pickles, cheese, coleslaw, burger buns, butter, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal.
