Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.