Description
Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a quick, spicy twist on the classic sloppy joe by using tender chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish balances heat, sweetness, and tang, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s both family-friendly and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces or shredded
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as olive or vegetable oil)
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onions, bell peppers, and garlic finely to ensure they soften and blend perfectly into the sauce later. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it if you prefer a more traditional sloppy joe texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, then cook it until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Build the Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, then stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar or honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened and saucy, about 8-10 minutes, letting all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the spicy, saucy chicken mixture generously onto toasted buns or rolls. Serve immediately while warm and juicy for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cajun Seasoning: For the best flavor, use freshly made or high-quality Cajun seasoning instead of pre-packed blends.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly butter and toast buns for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Adjust Heat Gradually: Test spice levels early and add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce as desired.
- Let it Rest: Allow the sloppy joe mixture to sit for a couple of minutes before serving so the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg