Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. Tender cubed chicken breasts are seasoned with a robust blend of Cajun spices, sautéed with peppers and onions, and simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce. Served on toasted hamburger buns and customizable with optional toppings like coleslaw, cheddar cheese, or pickled jalapeños, this recipe delivers a hearty, zesty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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)
- 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 Mix (if making 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)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 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 needed. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
- Set Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it in a bowl. Cover with foil to keep 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 prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper as desired.
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally.
- Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to prevent sogginess and add texture.
- Spoon the Filling: Generously spoon the Cajun chicken Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Add preferred toppings such as coleslaw, shredded cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Top with the bun tops and serve right away to enjoy the sandwich at its best.
Notes
- For extra heat, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes as desired.
- To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking during the initial sauté.
- To add a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in both the seasoning and sauce.
- To make homemade Cajun seasoning, combine the listed spices under the Cajun Seasoning Mix section.
- To prevent buns from becoming soggy, lightly toast them before assembling.
- Optional toppings provide great texture and flavor contrasts but are not required.
