Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Copycat recipe

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. With a rich blend of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a tangy tomato sauce, this dish offers a deliciously messy, yet satisfying, meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 4-6 hamburger buns

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced pickles for topping

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Chopping the Vegetables:

1. Dice the onion and green bell pepper.
2. Mince the garlic and, if using, dice the celery.

Cooking the Chicken

Achieving Juicy and Flavorful Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked and browned.

Using Cajun Spices:

1. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.

Making the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Sautéing Vegetables:

1. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and optional celery to the skillet with the chicken.
2. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Adding Chicken and Sauce:

1. Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Final Touches

Simmering for Flavor:

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Adjusting Seasoning:

1. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Best Buns for Sloppy Joes:

1. Serve the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns for added texture.

Topping Ideas:

1. Top with sliced pickles, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat the mixture gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Variations

Different Proteins to Use:

1. Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.

Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition:

1. Incorporate diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

Tips for Success

Ensuring the Right Consistency:

1. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
2. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Balancing Spices:

1. Start with less cayenne pepper and add more gradually to control the heat level.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
   • Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
   • Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used. Simply mix it with the sautéed vegetables and sauce, then simmer to heat through.
3. How Can I Make It Less Spicy?
   • Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder Cajun seasoning.
4. What Sides Go Well with Sloppy Joes?
   • Serve with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
5. Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
   • Yes, freeze the cooled mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful and easy meal that brings a taste of the South to your table. With the perfect balance of spices and a rich, hearty sauce, these Sloppy Joes are sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of Cajun flavors

Yield: 16

Cheesecake Factory Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls Copycat recipe

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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. With a rich blend of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a tangy tomato sauce, this dish offers a deliciously messy, yet satisfying, meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are sure to impress.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 seconds

Total Time 25 minutes 20 seconds

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Butter divided
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Half & Half Cream
• 8 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese shredded
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
• Breading
• 3 Large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 3-4 cups Panko may need more if coating twice
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• Nonstick Cooking Spray
• Serving
• Marinara Sauce for serving
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

• Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente noodles.
• In a pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour. Slowly whisk in half and half until well blended. Cook for about 2 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Add cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted. Add macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
• Spray a 9"x9" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the pan. Flatten the mixture as much as you can. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• After 4 hours, slice the macaroni into 16 squares. Shape each square into a ball. If they are not holding their shape, return the macaroni to the refrigerator to chill more.

Breading

• Use 2 shallow bowls, one for eggs and milk (scrambled), and another for panko, olive oil, and Italian seasoning blended together. Use a fork to incorporate the olive oil well. Microwave the panko for 60 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until lightly browned.
• Dip each macaroni ball in egg and then breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess between steps. May repeat the steps for a thicker coating. I did two coats on mine to get all of the macaroni covered.

Air Frying

• Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and add a single layer of macaroni balls. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serving

• Serve the fried macaroni and cheese while they're still hot. Add a thin layer of creamy marinara sauce to a plate and place the fried macaroni on top. Add grated Parmesan cheese on top and serve.