These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic. They are a quick and easy dinner that doesn't skimp on taste. They needs just one skillet and less than 30 minutes.
Combining ground/minced chicken, a few fresh veggies and some bold seasonings, these sloppy joes are just the right amount of flavor-packed messy fun!
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.
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Ingredients Notes
These notes are here to help make this recipe a success; they cover some but not all ingredients. For a complete ingredient list, with quantities, 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 recipes uses 3 cloves, but always measure garlic with your heart!
Cajun seasoning: I use my homemade cajun blend, but use whatever blend your family loves.
Salt: Depending on your cajun seasoning, you may need more or less salt. Taste your mixture before adding salt.
Hot sauce: Totally optional! Add more or less to suit your taste. I add a ½-1 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 (or a meat masher) to break it apart.
- Sprinkle the cajun spices evenly over the chicken. It is easier to combine them this way, rather than dumping 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 Is This Recipe Special?
I developed this recipe for the kids. They love a sloppy joe, and they love cajun chicken wraps. So I just sort of came up with the idea of combining those flavors. And I love that ground/minced chicken is always so reasonably priced!
- It is a twist on a classic that everyone loves.
- They are ready in under 30 minutes.
- The filling all cooks in one pan.
- The mixture freezes well, so its great for prepare ahead meals
Recipe Adaptations
These are just suggestions and things that have worked in my test kitchen for my family, 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 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 used sliced burger cheese, provolone, monetary jack, or a sharp cheddar. or go for a bit of extra spice with some pepper jack.
- Instead of the usual burger roll, serve this in a baked potato or over rice.
FAQ's
These are some of the questions our testers have asked. If you have any other questions, please drop me a comment below, are I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
They can be, but you control the heat! As written they have a mild hum to them, but you can add more or less hot sauce to suit your family.
Absolutely! Let the mixture cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet until hot.
Toast the buns lightly before filling them and also don't fill them until you are ready to eat. I usually put the toasted buns on the table and add a bowl of the chicken mixture so we can serve ourselves at the table.
I don't know for sure, but I would say it is because they are impossibly to eat neatly! But the sauce escaping from the bun is part of the fun! And if we are honest "Tidy Joes" sounds boring!
Serving Suggestions
If you're wondering what to serve with this recipe, I've pulled together some of my (and my kids) favorite ideas so you can mix and match sides and drinks to make a complete meal.
What to eat with 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 youngest daughter like shredded lettuce in their sloppy joes, so that is always 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. (But this is my family's least preferred option!)
What to drink
My first choice would be a cold beer. A crisp larger or pilsner works beautifully as the clean finish cuts through the creamy sauce and spice. If you prefer something with a bit more character then a wheat beer with citrusy notes helps balance the richness and spice.
For those looking for wine, I would go for bright fresh wines, rather than oaked wines. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and citrus flavors cuts through the richness of the filling. Especially those from New Zealand. My go-to wine for these cajun sloppy joes is a very chilled glass of semi-dry Riesling! The touch of sweetness is the perfect balance for the Cajun spices, and the crispness balances the cream.
For red, try a Zinfandel. It's got that bit of spice and juiciness that work well with the cajun flavors. Or if you're feeling adventurous, a chilled lighter red like a Grenache works so well. It has soft berry notes that compliment the cajun seasoning.
For a non-alcoholic option, an iced lemon tea helps cool the spice and balances the cream. While a sparkling lemonade helps cut the richness. A fun treat if you are having these as part of family night could be a cooling creamy vanilla milkshake.
More Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this dish, here are a few more recipes I think you'll love! They're all easy, tasty, and perfect for adding to your weekly meal plan.
Enjoy x
If you try these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, please leave a 🌟rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I really appreciate it, and it helps others to know that this recipe is trustworthy. And in a world where AI is becoming so common, it is nice to still have real human interactions.
Any questions about the recipe? Use the comment section below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
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 onion - finely chopped1 rib celery - finely chopped½ green bell pepper - finely chopped
- 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 seasoning - (see note 1)3 cloves garlic - minced
- 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 sauce - optional½ 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 - (see note 2)
- 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