Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes 🌶️🍗

A Bold, Spicy Twist on a Comfort Food Classic!

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! They’re everything you love about traditional sloppy joes — saucy, satisfying, and easy — but with a zesty Louisiana-inspired kick.

Made with tender ground chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, sautéed peppers, and a touch of creamy sauce, these sandwiches pack the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Served on soft toasted buns, they make a quick weeknight meal that’s hearty, exciting, and downright delicious.

If you love Southern flavors and crave a little spice, this recipe will become a weeknight favorite in no time! 🔥

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🍔 Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
✅ Flavor Explosion: Bold Cajun spices, juicy chicken, and smoky depth.
✅ Healthier Option: Ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal.
✅ Family-Friendly: Spice level can be adjusted to taste.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: The sauce tastes even better the next day!

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🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cajun Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco or Louisiana brand)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, to balance the heat)

For Serving:

• 4 burger buns, toasted
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, coleslaw, or sliced pickles

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🌶️ Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional)

You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, but here’s a quick homemade blend:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Mix and store in a jar for future Cajun-inspired dishes!

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and red pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Drain excess liquid if necessary.

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Step 3: Add the Flavor

Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, hot sauce, and brown sugar (if using).

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

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Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.
If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer longer.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add more hot sauce if you want it spicier! 🌶️

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Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the mixture simmers, toast the burger buns in a skillet with a little butter until golden brown.

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Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto each bun.
Top with shredded cheese, coleslaw, or pickles if desired.

Serve warm — and get ready for a deliciously messy bite! 🍗🔥

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🧀 Topping Ideas

Make your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes even better with these add-ons:

• 🧀 Melted Pepper Jack cheese for extra spice.
• 🥬 Creamy coleslaw to cool down the heat.
• 🥒 Pickled jalapeños for a zesty punch.
• 🍅 Sliced tomato & lettuce for a fresh touch.
• 🧄 Garlic aioli or Cajun mayo drizzle for richness.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Pair these bold sandwiches with your favorite sides for a complete meal:

• Sweet Potato Fries 🍠 – The sweetness balances the spice.
• Cajun Roasted Corn 🌽 – Adds smoky flavor and crunch.
• Classic Potato Salad 🥔 – Creamy and cooling.
• Green Salad 🥗 – Light and fresh to contrast the richness.
• Pickles or Slaw 🥬 – Great texture and tangy contrast.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

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💡 Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

✅ Use dark meat ground chicken or add a touch of olive oil to prevent dryness.
✅ Don’t skip the simmer! It helps develop that deep, bold flavor.
✅ Toast the buns to keep them from getting soggy.
✅ Adjust spice to your liking — Cajun seasoning can vary in heat.
✅ Try it open-faced with melted cheese for a knife-and-fork meal!

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⚖️ Nutrition (Per Sandwich – Approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Fat: 17g
• Carbs: 36g
• Protein: 28g
• Sugar: 7g
  (Values may vary based on bun and toppings used.)

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🎉 Perfect for Game Day or Weeknight Dinners

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are ideal for any occasion — quick weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or family parties. The savory-spicy mix will win over both spice lovers and comfort food fans alike.

Serve them with fries, chips, or a cold drink, and you’ve got yourself a flavorful meal that tastes like a trip to Louisiana — no messy cleanup required!

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❤️ Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn up the flavor on classic sloppy joes, this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is the answer. Juicy, seasoned ground chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy sauce, all piled high on a toasted bun — it’s everything you love about Southern comfort food in an easy, 30-minute meal.

With every bite, you’ll taste that perfect mix of bold Cajun spice and down-home heartiness. So grab your skillet, toast those buns, and get ready to serve up a messy, mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 🌶️🍗🔥

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