Name: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: 5 Flavors You Can't Resist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground chicken; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar (optional); Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese; 6-8 hamburger buns, for serving

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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on the classic American dish. This quick and spicy dinner features succulent ground chicken simmered in a rich, smoky, and flavorful Cajun sauce. Served on toasted buns with an optional creamy cheese sauce, these sandwiches will make your taste buds dance! Whether it’s a weekday meal or a gathering with friends, these Cajun chicken sandwiches are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

There are countless reasons to adore this Cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The unique blend of spices in Cajun-style sloppy joes ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Not only is it a delicious meal, but it’s also a healthier option since we’re using ground chicken instead of beef. The dish is gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs, and can quickly be transformed into a hearty meal with just a few additional ingredients. Plus, these sloppy joes are versatile; you can serve them with your favorite sides or even as a Cajun chicken burger. Overall, this recipe stands out for its flavor, convenience, and adaptability.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Gather these items:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese
6-8 hamburger buns, for serving

How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain any excess fat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add brown sugar if desired, and season with salt to taste.
Step 3: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
Step 4: In a separate small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Serve the hot Cajun chicken filling generously spooned onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with warm cheese sauce, if desired, and any other favorite garnishes.

Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Keep these in mind:

For extra flavor, let the mixture simmer longer; this helps the spices meld together.
Try using different types of cheese for the sauce; pepper jack adds a nice kick!
Always taste your filling before serving; adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Best Ways to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

There are many delicious ways to enjoy Cajun chicken sloppy joes:

Pair them with homemade potato wedges for a satisfying meal.
Serve alongside a fresh coleslaw to balance the spiciness.
For a fun twist, use the filling in tacos or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: 5 Flavors You Can't Resist - Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

If you have leftovers, store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep it moist. This makes for an easy Cajun chicken meal on busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

What’s the secret to perfect Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?

The secret lies in the Cajun seasoning! Use a high-quality spice blend to elevate the flavor. Additionally, allowing the filling to simmer helps develop a rich taste.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving on fresh buns for a quick dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?

Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken initially, as this can lead to dryness. Also, taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as each Cajun seasoning varies in strength.

Variations of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes You Can Try

For those looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Transform this into Cajun chicken burgers by forming patties instead of using buns.
Make it a hearty casserole by layering the filling with cheese and biscuits.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: 5 Flavors You Can't Resist - Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore veggie burgers with avocado green harissa for a delightful vegetarian option.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: 5 Flavors You Can’t Resist

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and spicy dinner featuring succulent ground chicken simmered in a rich, smoky, and flavorful Cajun sauce, served on toasted buns with an optional creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese
6–8 hamburger buns, for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain any excess fat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add brown sugar if desired, and season with salt to taste.
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
In a separate small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve the hot Cajun chicken filling generously spooned onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with warm cheese sauce, if desired, and any other favorite garnishes.