Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: A Spicy Twist on a Classic for Beginner Cooks
A flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, featuring ground chicken, Cajun spices, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: pickles, cheese, coleslaw
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Beginner Note: Stir occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Cook until the garlic releases its aroma, but don’t let it burn. Burnt garlic can have a bitter taste. Beginner Note: Cook until fragrant, avoid burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that no pink remains. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the chicken into small pieces. Beginner Note: Ensure chicken is cooked through, no pink remains.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning to taste. Beginner Note: Simmer over low heat, adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toast Buns: Toast hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster until golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy. Beginner Note: Toast buns for crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add optional toppings if desired, then place the top halves of the buns on top. Don’t overfill the buns to prevent the filling from spilling out. Beginner Note: Avoid overfilling the buns.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy immediately for the best flavor. Beginner Note: Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for desired spice.
- Use any color bell pepper.
- Toast buns for better texture.
- Add other vegetables like celery.
- Use lean ground chicken.