Description
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring ground chicken cooked in a zesty blend of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper. This quick and easy stovetop recipe combines sautéed vegetables and a tangy tomato-based sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve on toasted buns with fresh parsley garnish for a satisfying bite of spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and thickens the sauce to the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- Toast the Buns and Serve: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to add texture and warmth. Spoon the spicy Cajun chicken mixture onto the buns, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred heat level.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce mixture.
- This recipe can be served over rice or wrapped in lettuce cups as a low-carb alternative.
- Use gluten-free buns to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.
