Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes 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: 4

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe

Print

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 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• Ezoic
• 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

Instructions

• Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Cook Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Toast Buns: Toast hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster until golden brown.
• Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add optional toppings if desired, then place the top halves of the buns on top.
• Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!