Cajun chicken sloppy joes are a spicy and tasty version of classic sloppy joes. In this cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe, we use ground chicken instead of ground beef. Ground chicken is cooked with bold cajun spices and slightly spicy and rich sauce.
This cajun chicken sloppy joes recipe is full of flavor and can be prepared in a short amount of time. You can have them for dinner or lunch. Cajun chicken sloppy joes are packed with a little heat and are perfect when you want something delicious and spicy.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Quick And Easy To Make: Cajun chicken sloppy joes recipe is very quick and easy to make. It takes only 30 minutes to make it from start to finish. It is perfect for busy days.
- Full of Bold Cajun Flavor: The combination of simple ingredients and cajun seasoning bring a rich and slightly spicy taste, making it full of flavor.
- Customizable: This recipe is very customizable. You can make it extra spicy and it is perfect for parties, family dinners, or when you are craving for something unique and tasty.
Why You Will Love this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
This recipe is a great choice when you want something tasty and spicy in less time. In this recipe, we use ground chicken. Ground chicken is lighter than beef and it is delicious and filling. The addition of cajun spices make every bite bold and delicious.
You can even top it with cheese, coleslaw, or avocado to enhance its flavor. The best thing about this cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe is that it can be prepared in 30 minutes, making it a fast and quick way to enjoy something different and tasty.
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (about 450g) ground chicken
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
4 burger buns
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, coleslaw
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the veggies in oil: First of all, put a tablespoon of oil in a big pan. Turn the heat to medium. When the oil is hot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion looks soft and the garlic smells nice. This makes the dish taste really good.
- Add ground chicken and cook it: Now add ground chicken to the pan. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring sometimes, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to look a little brown. Make sure it is fully cooked.
- Add sauces and seasoning: When the chicken is done, add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well so the chicken is covered in the sauce. Let it cook for 1 or 2 minutes so the flavors mix.
- Add broth and simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth. Stir it in and turn the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will get thicker and tastier. If it gets too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- Toast the buns: While the sauce is cooking, toast your burger buns. You can use a toaster, a pan, or put them in the oven. Toasting makes the buns a little crispy and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Put the sandwiches together: Scoop a good amount of the hot Cajun chicken mix onto the bottom part of each bun. Add toppings like cheese, avocado slices, or coleslaw. Then put the top part of the bun on and press down a little.
- Time to eat: Eat your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes while they are still hot. They taste best when the buns are warm and the filling is full of flavor.
Chef Recommendations
- Make Your Own Cajun Seasoning: It is best to use homemade cajun seasoning if you want full control over the heat level and flavor of your cajun sloppy joes. You can try mixing spices such as cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano according to your taste. This way you can adjust the spice level.
- Toast the Buns for Better Texture: Toast the buns to make them crispy and crunchy. This keeps them from getting soggy when you add juicy chicken mixture on them.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: For a stronger and rich flavor, add freshly minced garlic. You can also add a slice of cheese on the top of the chicken mixture and let it melt. This will make the cajun chicken sloppy joes more tasty and delicious.
How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken
To store the cajun chicken, let the chicken mixture cool down to room temperature. Then place it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. You can store them for up to 3 days. Store the filling and buns separately to avoid sogginess.
For reheating, take out the mixture from the fridge and heat the mixture on a stovetop over a medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth and stir continuously to loosen the sauce.
For freezing, place the cooled chicken mixture in the airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. For using the frozen mixture, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat.
What are some popular toppings for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Coleslaw works great as a topping because it adds a crunchy and cool contrast to the warm and spicy chicken. You can also try pickled jalapeños as they add a sharp, tangy heat to the cajun chicken sloppy joes.
If you love cheese then add shredded cheddar or pepper jack as they melt beautifully over the chicken filling. Cheese makes every bite more delicious and flavorful.
Sliced avocado is also a great choice if you want a smooth and buttery layer that adds a rich and creamy taste to the cajun sloppy joes. A drizzle of hot sauce can really level up the taste and add an extra kick to your meal.
The Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
24%
- Saturated Fat 18g 90%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 80mg 27%
- Sodium 720mg 32%
- Total Carbohydrate
32g
12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
- Total Sugars 7g
- Protein 26g 52%
- Vitamin D 10mcg 50%
- Calcium 5mg 1%
- Iron 12mg 67%
- Potassium 400mg 9%
- Vitamin A 13mcg 2%
- Vitamin C 39mg 44%
- Vitamin E 10mg 67%
- Magnesium 9mg 3%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients and portion sizes. Your values may vary depending on specific products or brands used. Always check with a registered dietitian or nutritionist if you have dietary concerns.
The Nutritional Benefits
- Lean Protein from Ground Chicken: This cajun chicken sloppy joes recipe contains ground chicken which is a good source of lean protein. It also has less fat as compared to beef.
- Packed with Vegetables and Fiber: This cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe includes fresh ingredients like onion and bell pepper, which are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These vegetables not only boost the nutritional value but also add natural flavor and color to the dish.
- A Balanced and Satisfying Meal: When served on whole wheat buns and topped with fresh veggies, Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes become a well-rounded meal. You get a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it both filling and energizing without feeling too heavy.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes in advance and freeze them?
Yes, you can definitely prepare Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time and freeze them. Cook the chicken mixture and let it cool completely. After that store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What types of buns work best for serving Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
Soft burger buns, brioche buns, or potato rolls work great with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. These types of buns are soft enough to soak up the flavorful sauce without falling apart. If you want a slightly healthier option, whole wheat buns are also a good choice and add extra fiber.
