Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich by using ground chicken and a blend of bold Cajun spices. This recipe features a savory mix of sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a robust sauce made with diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Perfectly toasted hamburger buns cradle the spicy chicken filling, making this a delicious and easy meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Preheat Oven for Buns (Optional): If you prefer toasted buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast Buns: Slice the hamburger buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the chicken mixture is ready and the buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top and Garnish: Top with the other half of the bun. Add extra toppings like sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, paired with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat or omit it for a milder version.
- If the chicken mixture becomes too thick while simmering, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to customize your sandwich.
- Leftover sloppy joe filling can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or even as a pasta sauce alternative.
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free buns.
