Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Tender chicken breast pieces are seasoned with robust Cajun spices, cooked to perfection, and simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce. Served on toasted hamburger buns and customizable with optional toppings like coleslaw, shredded cheddar, or pickled jalapeños, this dish delivers a hearty meal with a bold, southern-inspired kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cajun Seasoning (if homemade)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To Serve
- 8 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Set Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it in a bowl. Cover with foil to keep it warm while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for another 5-10 minutes, enabling the chicken to absorb the rich flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to help prevent them from becoming soggy when filled.
- Spoon the Filling: Generously spoon the Cajun chicken sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Top with your choice of coleslaw, shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by altering the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Cooking chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even browning.
- To keep buns from becoming soggy, lightly toasting them before adding the filling is recommended.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free option, serve the filling on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
