Tired of the same old dinners? These cajun chicken sloppy joes bring bold flavors, smoky spice, and saucy goodness to your table in no time. Packed with smoky cajun spices, tender chicken, and a rich, saucy texture, this dish is perfect for those who crave a little heat and a lot of flavor. Quick to make and packed with flavor, these cajun chicken sloppy joes are guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
To create the perfect cajun chicken sloppy joes, gather these essential ingredients along with optional add-ins to enhance flavor and texture.
The essentials
- Ground chicken: the base of the sloppy joe filling, offering a lean yet juicy texture.
(Substitute: ground turkey for a similar alternative.) - Burger buns: soft and sturdy enough to hold the saucy filling.
(Substitute: brioche buns for a slightly sweeter contrast.) - Olive oil: helps sauté the ingredients and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Fresh vegetables
- Bell peppers (green and yellow): add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
(Substitute: red bell pepper for a milder taste.) - Onion: enhances the dish with a savory, slightly sweet depth.
(Substitute: shallots for a more delicate flavor.) - Garlic: boosts the Cajun flavors with a bold, aromatic kick.
Spreads and sauces
- Tomato sauce: gives the filling its signature saucy texture.
(Substitute: crushed tomatoes for a chunkier consistency.) - Tomato paste: intensifies the richness of the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: adds umami and depth to the sloppy joe mixture.
(Substitute: soy sauce for a slightly different but savory touch.) - Hot sauce: provides heat to complement the Cajun spices.
(Substitute: mild salsa for a less spicy option.)
Herbs and seasonings
- Cajun seasoning: the star of the dish, infusing bold, smoky, and spicy flavors.
(Substitute: a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.) - Smoked paprika: deepens the smoky, slightly sweet notes.
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning the filling perfectly.
Optional toppings
- Sliced jalapeños: for an extra kick of heat.
(Substitute: pickled banana peppers for a tangy, milder bite.) - Coleslaw: adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the saucy filling.
(Substitute: shredded lettuce for a lighter option.)
Crunchy add-ons
- Diced pickles: provide tang and a slight crunch to balance the spice.
(Substitute: pickle relish for a softer texture.)
Step-by-step directions
Making cajun chicken sloppy joes is quick and easy, with just the right balance of heat, smokiness, and tangy goodness. Follow these steps to bring bold flavors to your table.
Sauté the vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant—careful not to burn it, or it’ll turn bitter.
Brown the chicken and season
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula into small crumbles. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned with no pink remaining. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the chicken soaks up all the bold, smoky spices, letting them toast slightly to bring out their full flavor.
Build the sauce
Add the tomato paste first, stirring until it blends into the chicken. Then pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, mixing until everything is coated in bold, tangy goodness. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and cling to the meat. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up—just enough to keep it saucy without making the buns soggy.
Toast the buns
While the filling simmers, toast the burger buns for the perfect texture. Place the buns cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp—just enough to hold up to that saucy filling. For an extra layer of flavor, brush the cut sides with a little melted butter before toasting.
Assemble and serve
Pile the sloppy joe mixture high on the toasted buns, making sure every bite is packed with smoky, saucy flavor. Add your favorite toppings—sliced jalapeños for heat, coleslaw for crunch, or diced pickles for a tangy kick. Dig in and enjoy—these sloppy joes won’t last long!
Pro oh là là tips
Want to make your cajun chicken sloppy joes even better? These expert tips will help you customize flavors, perfect your pairings, and elevate every bite.
Customization and variations
- Switch the protein: use ground turkey for a leaner option or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
- Amp up the heat: add extra cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Make it cheesy: melt shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda into the filling for added richness.
- Sneak in more veggies: stir in shredded carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Go low-carb: swap the buns for lettuce wraps or serve the filling over roasted sweet potatoes.
- Tone down the heat: add a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the spice while deepening the flavor.
Servings and pairings
- Pair with a refreshing drink: serve with a lemon balm drink or an iced tea to balance the bold flavors.
- Serve with a fresh salad: a tangy coleslaw or a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Turn it into a bowl: skip the bun and serve the sloppy joe filling over rice, quinoa, or roasted cauliflower.
- Make it party-friendly: serve the filling in mini slider buns or stuffed into crispy baked potato skins.
- Serve with roasted vegetables: roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers add a smoky, caramelized contrast to the bold, saucy filling.
- Pair with cornbread: a slice of warm, buttery cornbread balances the spice and soaks up the delicious Cajun sauce.
Frequently asked questions
What makes cajun chicken sloppy joes different from regular ones?
Cajun chicken sloppy joes have a smoky, spicy kick from Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce, giving them a bold Southern-inspired twist. Unlike the traditional version, which leans on sweetness, this recipe focuses on deep, savory flavors with just the right amount of heat.
Can I make the filling for cajun chicken sloppy joes ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasted buns help prevent sogginess by creating a barrier between the sauce and the bread. You can also spread a thin layer of butter, mayo, or mashed avocado on the buns before adding the filling for extra protection.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning for cajun chicken sloppy joes?
Yes! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works well, but check the label for salt content, as some blends can be very salty. If you prefer to control the spice level, make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper.
These cajun chicken sloppy joes aren’t just dinner—they’re bold, messy, and packed with flavor in every bite. With their irresistible blend of spices, juicy chicken, and messy, saucy goodness, they bring excitement to any dinner table. Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings, this dish proves that comfort food can be both easy and adventurous. Try them once, and they might just become your new go-to comfort food.
Made these? Drop a comment below and tell us your favorite twist—we love hearing how you make them your own!
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Cajun chicken sloppy joes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 burger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Diced pickles (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Brown the chicken and season
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the chicken.
3️⃣ Build the sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
4️⃣ Toast the buns
While the filling simmers, toast the buns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden. For extra flavor, brush the cut sides with melted butter before toasting.
5️⃣ Assemble and serve
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Add jalapeños, coleslaw, or diced pickles for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately with fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for even more flavor, let the filling rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the spices to meld and the sauce to thicken perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes