Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes – Easy Spicy Sloppy Joe Recipe with Ground Chicken & Louisiana Flavor
Samantha
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes take the classic sloppy joe sandwich and give it a bold Louisiana twist. Made with lean ground chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce, they’re spicy, saucy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this easy sloppy joe recipe is a healthier alternative to beef but just as comforting and flavorful.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Cajun, Southern-Inspired
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 385 kcal
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 2 medium bell peppers diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: pickles shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños
Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Season generously: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for 1 minute.
Build the sauce: Pour in tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
Assemble: Spoon the mixture onto toasted sandwich buns. Add toppings of choice.
Serve: Grab napkins and enjoy your spicy, messy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes!
Secret Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
1. Brown the chicken for maximum flavor: Before adding the sauce, make sure your ground chicken is well-browned. This adds a rich, savory base and gives your Cajun chicken sloppy joes that signature smoky depth Louisiana recipes are known for.
2. Use authentic Cajun seasoning: Go for a blend that includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. The right balance of heat and herbs is what gives these spicy sloppy joes their bold Louisiana flavor.
3. Simmer low and slow: Once the sauce ingredients are in, let everything simmer for at least 10–15 minutes. This thickens the sauce, allowing the flavors of the Cajun tomato base and ground chicken to meld together beautifully.
4. Toast your buns for texture: Lightly butter and toast the buns before assembling. This not only prevents them from getting soggy but adds a warm, buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts the saucy filling of your spicy Cajun sandwich.
5. Add a cheesy layer: Melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese enhances the creamy, spicy balance in each bite. It also adds that irresistible gooeyness that turns your Cajun chicken sandwich into a crowd favorite.
6. Garnish like a pro: Top with fresh parsley, green onions, or even a drizzle of Louisiana hot sauce for extra heat. Small details like these elevate your homemade Cajun sloppy joe recipe from casual to restaurant-worthy.
7. Make it meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently for quick lunches. The sauce develops even deeper flavor overnight, making these easy Cajun chicken sloppy joes even better the next day.Keyword cajun chicken sloppy joes meal prep bowls, cajun chicken sloppy joes recipe easy, cajun sloppy joe sandwiches with ground chicken, cajun sloppy joe skillet with onions and peppers, ground chicken cajun sloppy joes weeknight dinner, healthy chicken sloppy joe recipe without beef, louisiana style chicken sloppy joes for family dinner, low carb cajun chicken sloppy joes lettuce wraps, quick cajun chicken sloppy joes under 30 minutes, spicy cajun sloppy joes with bell peppers
