Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish takes the nostalgic comfort of a classic sloppy joe and transforms it with Cajun spices and ground chicken for a lighter, zestier version. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe perfect for busy nights and meal prep. The sauce has the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and sweetness, coating every bite of juicy chicken. It’s versatile, too—you can adjust the spice level or even make it dairy-free without losing its signature flavor.
Print
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes – A Spicy Southern Spin on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold, spicy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with ground chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a zesty Cajun-style sauce, these sandwiches are smoky, savory, and full of Southern flair — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
- Simmer the mixture uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and saucy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Cajun chicken mixture on toasted buns and top with coleslaw, pickles, or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning to taste.
- For a lighter version, serve the mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Great for meal prep — store the filling separately from the buns.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground chicken: Lean and mild, ground chicken absorbs the bold Cajun flavors beautifully while keeping the dish light and protein-rich.
Bell peppers: Red and green peppers add crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the spices.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds depth and natural sweetness to the sauce base.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the savory, aromatic notes and ties the sauce together.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy foundation that soaks into the chicken and binds the flavors perfectly.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce to that ideal sloppy joe consistency.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the recipe—it brings heat, smokiness, and authentic Southern character. Adjust to taste depending on your spice preference.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the spice and acidity, rounding out the flavor profile.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory, umami quality and enhances the meatiness of the chicken.
Butter: Adds a touch of richness that softens the spice and gives the sauce a silky finish.
Burger buns: Toasted buns hold up well to the saucy filling and add a buttery crunch with every bite.
Green onions: Optional but perfect for garnish—they add freshness and color to the finished dish.
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned and no longer pink.
Stir in tomato paste, cooking for a minute to deepen the flavor. Add the tomato sauce, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
While the mixture simmers, lightly toast your burger buns. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add a splash of hot sauce for more heat or a bit more sugar for sweetness. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the buns, top with green onions, and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the filling separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the mixture on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth. The filling also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an extra burst of heat.
Creamy Cajun Joes: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream for a smooth, indulgent texture.
Cajun Turkey Sloppy Joes: Swap ground chicken for turkey for a leaner option with similar flavor.
Sweet and Smoky BBQ Joes: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce for a Southern BBQ-inspired version.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of buns.
Cheesy Cajun Melt: Top the filling with melted provolone or pepper jack cheese for added richness.
Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini or mushrooms to the mix for extra texture and nutrients.
Seafood Twist: Substitute ground chicken with cooked shrimp or crab for a coastal Cajun spin.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns or serve over baked sweet potatoes for a hearty alternative.
Cajun Ranch Style: Mix a spoonful of ranch dressing into the cooked filling for a creamy, tangy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
2. How spicy are these Sloppy Joes?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning—start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely, just substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
4. What kind of buns work best?
Brioche or potato buns hold up well and complement the savory filling perfectly.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the filling reheats easily and even tastes better the next day.
6. How can I make it more saucy?
Add a little extra tomato sauce or a splash of chicken broth while simmering.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
Try Cajun fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
8. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but make sure to choose one without too much salt to control the seasoning.
9. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Can I make it mild for kids?
Yes, simply use less Cajun seasoning and skip any added hot sauce.
Conclusion
The Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring all the soul of Southern cooking to your kitchen in one easy, flavor-packed meal. With their smoky spice, tender chicken, and rich sauce, they’re the perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Whether served on toasted buns, over rice, or tucked in lettuce wraps, this recipe transforms the classic sloppy joe into something extraordinary. Once you try this Cajun twist, it’ll become a weeknight favorite you’ll make again and again.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share