Description

This Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe offers a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken infused with zesty Cajun spices and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a bold, smoky twist on the classic sloppy joe, making it a family-friendly, versatile meal that can be served on slider buns, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegan alternative)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Breads

4 to 6 slider buns or sandwich rolls

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Dice the chicken into small pieces for quick cooking. Finely chop the bell peppers and onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Build the Aromatics and Spice: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until tender and fragrant. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat and letting the spices bloom for about 2 minutes.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey or brown sugar. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer gently, thickening slightly to develop a rich, saucy texture.
Assemble and Serve: Lightly toast the slider buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess. Spoon the hot Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the buns. Add optional toppings or cheese if desired, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh Cajun seasoning or a high-quality store-bought blend for vibrant flavor.
Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.
Simmer the sauce gently to thicken without losing moisture.
Toast buns briefly for a sturdy base that resists sogginess.
Balance the heat with honey or brown sugar to avoid overpowering spice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Cajun chicken, sloppy joes, quick dinner, spicy sandwich, healthy sloppy joes, family-friendly, weeknight meal, chicken sloppy joes