Go Back
Melany

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Peppers: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Cook the Chicken:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground chicken and season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic.
  2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the Seasonings:
  1. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  2. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
Make the Sauce:
  1. Reduce the heat to medium.
  2. Add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), chicken broth, and brown sugar.
  3. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, thickening slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to coat it evenly in the sauce.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
  1. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns.
  2. Add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Serve:
  1. 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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!