These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic. This recipe is a quick and easy dinner solution that doesn't skimp on taste, with just one skillet and less than 30 minutes.
Combining juicy ground chicken with bold seasonings, fresh veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are just the right amount of messy. Perfect for busy nights, this Cajun-inspired meal is loaded with flavor for minimal effort.
Served on a soft roll, these sloppy joes are a fun dinner option that the whole family will enjoy-no forks needed! Serve them with fries and corn for the perfect casual meal.
Ingredient Notes
These notes are here to help make this recipe a success; they cover some but not all ingredients. For a complete ingredient list, check out the recipe card below.
Onion: I use a regular brown onion but you can use a white, yellow, or red onion.
Green bell pepper: Green peppers are part of the Cajun holy trinity of vegetables. But you can substitute it with red or yellow if you prefer.
Garlic: The recipe uses 3 cloves, but measure garlic with your heart!
Cajun seasoning: I use my homemade cajun blend, but use one your family loves.
Salt: Depending on your cajun seasoning, you may need more or less salt. Taste your mixture before adding salt.
Hot sauce: Optional! Add more or less to suit your taste. I add ½ a teaspoon for our family and then put the bottle on the table for people to add more if they want.
Recipe Tips
We've tested this recipe at least 3 times to ensure it works well for you. Have a look at our tips for getting the best dish you can!
- Cook the onion, celery, and bell pepper over low heat. You want the vegetables to soften and meld together. This will take 7-8 minutes, so be patient.
- When you add the ground/minced chicken, use your spatula to break it apart, and turn and color it in the pan.
- Sprinkle the cajun spices evenly over the chicken; it is easier to combine this way than if you dump it all in the middle of the pan.
- When adding the minced garlic, don't let it burn. Have your crushed tomatoes on hand, and be ready to add them to the pan.
- Simmer the sauce until it is at a thickness that you prefer. Some people like very wet sloppy joes, and others (like my kids) like what they call a juicy dry mixture. Go with what you love.
Why You'll Love These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- They are a twist on a classic that everyone loves.
- They are ready in under 30 minutes.
- They cook together in one pan.
- The mixture freezes really well - great prepare ahead meal.
Recipe Adaptations
These are all just suggestions and things that have worked in our test kitchen, but it is your dinner, so adapt it to suit your family. That is the beauty of cooking; we can all create our own delicious meals.
- You can use regular ground/minced beef in place of the chicken. Or go for pork or turkey instead.
- You can load up the veg with more bell peppers, carrots, corn, or some wilted baby spinach.
- Add extra spice with more hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Add cheese! My family is divided on whether cheese belongs on a sloppy joe. So cheese is an optional extra for us. You can use sliced burger cheese, provolone, monetary jack, or sharp cheddar. Or go for a bit of spice with some pepper jack.
- Instead of the usual burger roll, serve this in a baked potato or over rice.
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Serving Suggestions for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
A Sloppy Joe needs a soft burger bun toasted on the inside so it doesn't get too soggy. As mentioned above, cheese is optional! If you have made your mixture spicy, a dollop of sour cream is always nice. And my middle son and younger daughter like shredded lettuce in their sloppy joes, so that is also an option.
Sides: I usually add some cajun fries to the table, a bowl of corn, and maybe a bowl of slaw. Or a big bowl of garlic green beans (my family's least preferred option!)
Wine: When these are on the dinner menu, my go-to wine is a very chilled glass of semi-dry Riesling! The touch of sweetness is the perfect balance to the Cajun spices, while its crispness balances the cream. Or, if you prefer a dry wine, a Pinot Grigio would be a lovely choice, giving you those fresh citrus notes to cut through the richness. If you are adding cheese, I think the pinot is a better option.
For red, try a Zinfandel. It's got that bit of spice and juiciness that works beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors. Or if you're feeling adventurous, a chilled, lighter red like a Grenache would also work! It has soft berry notes that complement the Cajun seasoning, and drinking it chilled is a lovely way to enjoy it.
Enjoy x
Other things to have in Burger Rolls:
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Get the Recipe
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 rib celery finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tablespoon cajun seasoning (see note 1)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½-1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt (see note 2)
- 4 burger rolls
Optional toppings
- sliced cheese
- slaw
- sour cream
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Melt the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.1 tablespoon oil1 tablespoon butter
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened and cooked down.1 onion1 rib celery½ green bell pepper
- Add the chicken and cook, breaking it up as you go. Give it 5 minutes to change color, then sprinkle over the Cajun seasoning and minced garlic.1 lb ground chicken3 tablespoon cajun seasoning3 cloves garlic
- Cook for a minute, but don't allow the garlic to change color.
- Add the tomatoes, brown sugar, hot sauce, and cream, mix well, then reduce the heat to low.½ cup crushed tomatoes½ tablespoon brown sugar½-1 teaspoon hot sauce½ cup heavy cream
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn't catch on the bottom of the skillet. (see note 3)
- Taste your mixture and add the salt to taste. (see note 2)¼ teaspoon salt
- Toast your rolls and serve (see note 4)4 burger rolls
Notes
- I use my homemade cajun blend but use one your family loves.
- Depending on your cajun seasoning, you may need more or less salt. Taste your mixture before adding salt.
- The time you cook your miture for will slightly depend on how 'wet' you like your sloppy joe mixture. We list a juicy, dry consistency. But if you prefer it wetter, cook it for less time or add a bit extra tomato and cream.
- I prefer to toast the rolls and serve everything on the table for people to serve themselves. This helps keep the rolls crisp for longer.
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
Amelia Doe says
Toooo good, you smashed it out the park on this one Claire, you are my favourite chef and always will, loveyou x
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Oh I am so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you for the lovely message.
Cx
RDFYjolf says
Great recipe, the kids loved it
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
So happy they enjoyed them 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment.
Cx