If you love yummy, messy sandwiches with a little bit of spice, this Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for you! It’s a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe, but with a Cajun flavor that makes it taste extra special. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make – and how tasty it turns out! Whether you’re a big fan of chicken sloppy joes or just want to try something new, this recipe is simple and super flavorful.
What Are Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a yummy sandwich made with shredded chicken instead of beef. The chicken is mixed with a spicy, tangy sauce that has special Cajun seasonings. This makes the sandwich taste bold and delicious! You eat it on a soft bun, and it’s messy in the best way possible – just like regular sloppy joes, but with more flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe Recipe
This cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy: It only takes about 30 minutes to make, so it’s great for busy days!
- Full of Flavor: The spicy Cajun sauce and tender chicken taste so good together.
- You Can Make It Your Own: You can make it more or less spicy depending on what you like.
- A Little Healthier: Chicken is a lean protein, so it’s a bit lighter than regular beef sloppy joes.
Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to make these yummy spicy cajun chicken sloppy joes:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground or shredded chicken | 1 lb (about 450g) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 1/2 pepper |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Hot sauce (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Hamburger buns | 4 buns |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your cajun chicken sloppy joes:
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, make sure to cook and shred the chicken ahead of time.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
In a big pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it for about 7-10 minutes until it’s brown and cooked all the way through. Use a spoon to break up the chicken into smaller pieces.
Step 3 – Cook the Vegetables
Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they get soft.
Step 4 – Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning
Now, add the garlic and cajun seasoning to the pan. Stir it all around and cook for about 1 minute so it smells super good!
Step 5 – Make the Sauce
Next, add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if you like it spicy). Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and bubbling.
Step 6 – Add the Chicken Back In
Put the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Mix it all together so the chicken gets coated with the yummy sauce. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
Step 7 – Make the Sandwiches
Toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler for a few minutes. Then, spoon the spicy chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun and place the top half on top.
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here are some easy tips to make your cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe even better:
- Make it Spicier: If you like it hotter, just add more hot sauce or cajun seasoning!
- Add Extra Veggies: You can put some zucchini or carrots in the filling for more veggies.
- Cheese is Yummy: Melt some cheese on top of your sloppy joe if you like a creamy taste.
- Make It Ahead: You can keep the chicken mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days and use it later.
Healthier Alternatives for Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Want to make this dish even healthier? Here are some ideas:
- Use Ground Turkey: If you want to eat even leaner, try ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Whole Wheat Buns: Whole wheat buns are a good choice because they have more fiber.
- Low-Sodium Options: You can use low-sodium tomato sauce and broth to make it even healthier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here are some mistakes to avoid so your cajun chicken sloppy joes turn out great:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to cook the chicken too long or it might get dry.
- Don’t Use Too Much Spice: Cajun seasoning is strong, so start with a little bit and taste it before adding more.
- Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns: Toasting the buns helps them stay firm and keeps the sauce from making them soggy.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
These cajun sloppy joes are so yummy on their own, but here are some fun side dishes you can serve with them:
- Coleslaw: A creamy slaw goes perfectly with the spicy sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a great match.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a nice side dish to complete the meal.
FAQs About Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To make your cajun chicken sloppy joes spicier, add more hot sauce or cajun seasoning.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before putting it on the buns.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Sure! You can swap the chicken for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep any leftovers in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition Information for Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Here’s what’s inside each serving of these spicy cajun chicken sloppy joes:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Potassium | 400mg |
| Vitamin A | 12% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 25% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 6% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 10% of Daily Value |
This simple spicy cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe is so fun to make and eat! It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and even picky eaters will love it. You can adjust the spice level to your taste and serve it with some tasty sides. Enjoy!