Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy, savory twist on the classic sandwich, made with seasoned ground chicken, bell peppers, onions, and bold Cajun flavors all piled high on toasted buns. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner that brings a little Louisiana heat to the table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these Sloppy Joes take a familiar comfort food and crank it up with bold Cajun spices. The ground chicken makes it a bit lighter than the traditional beef version, but it’s still hearty, flavorful, and messy in the best way. It comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big flavor—perfect for weeknights when I want something fun and filling without a lot of fuss.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground chicken

• Bell peppers (any color), diced

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• Cajun seasoning

• Smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)

• Worcestershire sauce

• Ketchup

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Toasted hamburger buns

• Optional: hot sauce, sliced green onions, or shredded cheese for topping

directions

1. I heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell peppers until softened.

2. I add the garlic and cook for another minute, then stir in the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.

3. I sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper, then stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

4. I let the mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.

5. I toast the buns and spoon the chicken mixture generously onto each one.

6. I serve hot with optional toppings like hot sauce or green onions, depending on how spicy I want it.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty sandwiches. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add corn or black beans to the mix for more texture and bulk. When I want a creamier version, I stir in a little cream cheese or shredded cheddar before serving. I’ve also swapped the chicken for ground turkey or chopped rotisserie chicken with great results. For an extra kick, I add cayenne or use extra-spicy Cajun seasoning.

storage/reheating

I store the filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave. If I freeze it, I let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving on fresh buns.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, I usually keep a blend on hand, but I sometimes make my own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, but I adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning and adding hot sauce if I want it spicier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. I often make the filling a day in advance—it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

What kind of buns work best?

I use soft hamburger buns, but brioche or potato buns are great for a richer, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy filling.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I’ve used plant-based ground “meat” and added lentils or beans for texture. It still turns out full of flavor.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold, flavorful twist on a beloved classic that never fails to satisfy. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and packed with that Southern-inspired spice that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I’m feeding a family or just want a quick dinner with serious flavor, this recipe hits the mark every time.