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
Scale
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
