If you’re craving a bold, zesty upgrade to your usual weeknight sandwich, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring the flavor and then some. Swapping out traditional ground beef for lean chicken and layering in vibrant bell peppers, garlic, and smoky Cajun spices, this meal is a quick, fiery, and satisfying way to shake up dinner.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy families, casual game nights, or anyone looking to meal prep something that packs heat and heartiness. Pile the savory filling onto buttery toasted buns and top it your way—with creamy slaw, melted cheese, or crunchy pickles for the ultimate flavor bomb.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: One pan, half an hour, zero fuss.
- Custom Heat Levels: Dial the spice up or down to your liking.
- Family Friendly: Savory, slightly sweet, and satisfying for all ages.
- Meal Prep-Approved: Stores and reheats like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion (red or yellow)
- 1 small bell pepper, finely diced (choose your color)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or use soy sauce for a twist)
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4–6 burger buns, toasted and buttered
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños, dill pickles
DIY Cajun Seasoning Blend
Mix together:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until no longer pink—around 5–6 minutes.
3. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the Cajun seasoning and tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Toast your buns, pile on the filling, and add your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep buns and toppings separate to maintain texture.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over medium with a splash of water or broth.
- Microwave: Reheat in intervals, covered, stirring in between to distribute heat evenly.
Freezer:
Portion the cooled filling into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
To Thaw:
Defrost overnight in the fridge or heat directly from frozen in a covered pan with a little water.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Want it milder? Use a mild Cajun blend or skip the cayenne entirely.
- More texture: Try half crushed tomatoes, half sauce for a chunkier mix.
- Plant-based twist: Substitute ground chicken with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
