Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
Introduction
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy tomatoes, this dish offers a deliciously rich and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 rib celery (finely chopped)
- ½ green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½-1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 burger rolls
- Sliced cheese
- Slaw
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened and cooked down.
- Step 3: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up as you go. Allow it about 5 minutes to change color.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and minced garlic over the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute, making sure the garlic does not brown.
- Step 5: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and hot sauce if using, then add the heavy cream. Mix well and reduce heat to low.
- Step 6: Let the mixture cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning on the skillet bottom.
- Step 7: Taste the mixture and add salt as needed.
- Step 8: Toast the burger rolls. Assemble the sloppy joes by spooning the chicken mixture onto the rolls, then topping with sliced cheese, slaw, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
- Include a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory notes.
- Serve with pickles or jalapeños for an added kick.
Storage
Store any leftover Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Keep the rolls separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat thoroughly before assembling the sandwiches.
What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple substitute by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to mimic the Cajun spice blend.
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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is seasoned with aromatic Cajun spices, sautéed with aromatic vegetables, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, and served on toasted burger rolls with cheese, slaw, sour cream, and shredded lettuce for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Fats
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
Protein
- 1 lb ground chicken
Seasonings & Sauces
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½–1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
Bread & Toppings
- 4 burger rolls
- Sliced cheese
- Slaw
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Heat fats: Melt the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat to prepare the base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add finely chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened and cooked down, developing rich flavors.
- Cook chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it up as it cooks. Allow 5 minutes for the chicken to change color thoroughly.
- Add seasoning and garlic: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and minced garlic over the chicken, stirring well. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring the garlic does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, optional hot sauce, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer mixture: Cook the sauce mixture for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
- Season to taste: Taste the mixture and add salt to your preference for balanced seasoning.
- Prepare rolls and assemble: Toast the burger rolls until golden. Assemble the sloppy joe by layering the chicken mixture, sliced cheese, slaw, sour cream, and shredded lettuce on the rolls, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; it typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
- Salt is added at the end to control the seasoning level according to taste and the saltiness of other ingredients used.
- Frequent stirring during simmering prevents the creamy tomato sauce from scorching and helps flavors meld.
- Toasting the burger rolls adds texture and helps them hold up better against the moist filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, sloppy joe recipe, chicken sandwiches, creamy Cajun chicken, easy dinner recipe
