Description
Spice up your dinner with Cajun chicken Sloppy Joes! Packed with bold Cajun flavors, sautéed peppers, and a tangy, savory sauce, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken and season with a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), chicken broth, and brown sugar.
- Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns.
- Add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for extra heat, or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground chicken elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American