Craving a meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? These Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are your answer. They’re quick to make, surprisingly healthy, and exploding with zesty Cajun goodness. Forget boring weeknight dinners – this recipe will become your go-to when you need something delicious, fast! I know, because it’s a lifesaver in my house, too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, “Sloppy Joe Night” was a big deal. My grandma always made them, but they were the classic, slightly sweet tomato-based kind. One Mardi Gras trip to New Orleans changed everything. Inspired by the vibrant spices and bold flavors, I came home determined to revamp our family favorite. After some experimenting, Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes were born! It’s a taste of tradition, kicked up with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, coleslaw, diced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1 minute more.
- Cook the Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes mixture onto hamburger buns. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, coleslaw, or diced green onions. Enjoy immediately!
Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1 minute more.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper (any color), 2 cloves garlic
- Add ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.1.5 lbs ground chicken
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pour in tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Spoon the Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes mixture onto hamburger buns. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, coleslaw, or diced green onions. Enjoy immediately!6 hamburger buns, shredded cheese, coleslaw, diced green onions