Nothing beats the bold flavors of the South, and these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring that heat straight to your dinner table.
Ground chicken simmers in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, then gets piled high on toasted buns.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food with a kick, these sandwiches hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lean & hearty – Ground chicken offers protein-packed comfort without the heaviness.
Bold Cajun kick – Homemade seasoning blends paprika, garlic, oregano, and cayenne for authentic flavor.
One-skillet simplicity – Sauté, simmer, and serve right from the pan.
Customizable toppings – Jalapeños, pickles, cheese, or slaw—make it your own.
Family-friendly – Mildly spicy but easy to adjust for all taste buds.
Ingredient Highlights
Protein & aromatics – Ground chicken sautéed with onion, bell pepper, and garlic
Sauce trio – Tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a touch of Worcestershire + brown sugar
Cajun spice – DIY blend of paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne
Finishers – Toasted buns with optional jalapeños, pickles, cheese, or slaw
Pro Tips Before You Start
Prep your veggies first—diced uniformly for even cooking.
Toast buns in leftover sauce for extra flavor.
Adjust spice level by varying cayenne in the seasoning blend.
Drain excess liquid if your sauce seems too thin—simmer a few minutes longer.
Make extra Cajun seasoning; it stores up to 3 months in an airtight jar.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula.
Cook until no pink remains, about 6 minutes.
Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning; stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened (10–15 minutes).
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Pile the spicy chicken mixture onto toasted buns.
Top with your choice of jalapeños, pickles, cheese, or coleslaw. Enjoy immediately.
What to Serve It With
Sweet potato fries or regular fries for a classic pairing
Pickled veggies to echo the tang
Green salad with a zesty vinaigrette for balance
Corn on the cob brushed with Cajun butter
Variations & Substitutions
Protein swap: Use ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumble.
Sauce twist: Add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Bun alternative: Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps for low-carb.
Veggie boost: Stir in corn kernels or black beans during simmer.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if thickened too much.
Freeze cooled filling for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes—prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance, then reheat gently before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or omit the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning, or skip the jalapeño topping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free buns and a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
What’s the best cheese topping?
Mild cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda all pair beautifully with the Cajun flavors.
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead?
Absolutely—just follow the same steps and adjust cooking time until the meat is fully browned.
How do I thicken a runny sauce?
Simmer a few minutes longer uncovered, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I freeze leftover filling?
Yes—cool completely, portion into freezer bags, and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are the perfect fusion of comfort and spice.
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a weeknight staple.
Gather your toppings, toast your buns, and dig into a taste of Louisiana right at home!
