Quick Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Featured in Easy Sandwiches Done Right.

These hearty and satisfying sloppy joes take juicy ground chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and simmer them in a creamy tomato base packed with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. It all comes together in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup. Toast up some soft brioche buns, pile on the extra saucy filling, and enjoy a quick meal that's perfect for both weeknights and leftovers! Want an extra kick? Add more hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Emily Watson
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:50:01 GMT
Juicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Pin it
Juicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes | thefamilycooks.com

Transform classic sloppy joes into something special with this Cajun-inspired version. Ground chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with authentic Cajun seasonings creates a delicious twist on the traditional sandwich filling.

The combination of tender chicken and velvety cream sauce, enhanced with classic Cajun spices, makes this an ideal choice for casual entertaining or family dinners. The balanced heat level appeals to most palates.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground Chicken: Select 93% lean for optimal texture and flavor, preferably dark meat
  • Cajun Seasoning: Use a blend with visible spices and herbs for authentic flavor
  • Heavy Cream: Essential for sauce richness - avoid lighter alternatives
  • Bell Peppers: Select fresh, crisp peppers for best results
  • Sandwich Rolls: Brioche style recommended for durability

Cooking Method

Initial Preparation
Begin with a well-heated pan. Cut vegetables into uniform pieces. Sauté until vegetables develop golden edges and become tender.
Cooking the Chicken
Crumble chicken finely while cooking. Allow some caramelization for enhanced flavor. Incorporate seasoning evenly throughout.
Sauce Development
Introduce tomatoes in stages. Maintain consistent stirring. Reduce until sauce reaches proper coating consistency.
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Pin it
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe emerged from experimenting with Cajun seasonings in familiar dishes. The cream sauce variation discovered during one cooking session has become the signature element of this improved version.

Perfect for casual gatherings, this dish adapts well to various serving situations. It consistently receives praise at informal events and game day celebrations.

Traditional Cajun aromatics - onion, celery, and bell pepper - provide the classic flavor foundation that distinguishes this version from standard sloppy joes.

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Pin it
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes | thefamilycooks.com

The fusion of classic comfort food with Cajun culinary traditions creates an elevated yet approachable dish. It maintains the beloved casual nature of sloppy joes while introducing more sophisticated flavor elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is ground turkey a good alternative?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey instead, and it’ll taste great too.
→ How spicy is it going to be?
That depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Feel free to tweak the spice with some hot sauce.
→ Can I prep it earlier?
You sure can! Make the filling in advance and heat it back up later. Just toast the buns fresh for serving.
→ What sides go well with it?
Classic choices like coleslaw, corn, or crispy fries pair perfectly with these sloppy joes.
→ How do I avoid soggy buns?
Toast the buns lightly. You could also serve the sloppy joe mix separately so everyone can fix theirs fresh!

Savory Cajun Sloppy Joes

Creamy Cajun-inspired sloppy joes featuring chicken, spices, and veggies for a quick dinner everyone’ll love.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 tablespoon butter
02 1 tablespoon oil
03 1 celery stalk, chopped up small
04 1 onion, diced finely
05 1 small green bell pepper, minced
06 1 pound of ground chicken
07 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
08 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning

→ Sauce

09 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar
10 1/2 cup of tomato chunks
11 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce (you can skip this)
12 1/2 cup of cream (heavy)
13 1/4 teaspoon of salt
14 4 burger buns

→ Optional Toppings

15 Grated lettuce
16 Cheddar slices
17 Creamy coleslaw
18 A dollop of sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the oil and butter. Cook the onion, celery, and green pepper chunks for about 7-8 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Toss in the ground chicken and cook while breaking it apart. After 5 minutes, sprinkle in the Cajun spice mix and stir in the garlic bits.

Step 03

Stir in the tomato pieces, sugar, hot sauce (if you want), and cream. Turn the heat way down.

Step 04

Let it cook gently for 15 minutes while stirring a lot. Adjust the salt at the end.

Step 05

Lightly toast the buns, then pile the filling on top. Add whatever toppings you like.

Notes

  1. If you like a thicker or thinner sloppy joe, just tweak the simmer time.
  2. To keep your rolls crisp, toast them right before eating.
  3. The amount of salt you need depends on how salty your Cajun mix is.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk-based products
  • Gluten ingredients

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 490
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~