Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are the perfect blend of bold flavors and comfort food. This delicious dish features ground chicken cooked in a zesty, creamy sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. The addition of Cajun seasoning brings a delightful kick that elevates the classic sloppy joe experience. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe. First, it’s a healthier twist on the traditional sloppy joe, using ground chicken instead of beef, making it a great option for those looking to reduce fat intake. Second, the combination of spices creates a flavor profile that is nothing short of explosive. Third, it’s a quick Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe that can be made in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can serve it on a bun or over rice, and it pairs wonderfully with coleslaw. The ease of meal prep makes it ideal for lunchboxes. Finally, it’s a dish that the whole family will love, from the kids to the adults!
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- to taste salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste pinch of salt
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, crumbling it with a spatula until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste until glossy.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; stir and let simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes until thick. Season with salt and add brown sugar.
- Step 5: Melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 6: Slowly whisk in whole milk, cooking for 4–5 minutes until it lightly coats a spoon.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low; fold in cheese and paprika until melted. Add salt.
- Step 8: Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast them.
- Step 9: Spoon a mound of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bottom bun and ladle the cheese sauce over the top.
- Step 10: Sprinkle with black pepper, cap with top bun, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is best served hot.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños to the mix!
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist!
Best Ways to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. Serve them on toasted brioche buns for a classic approach, or try them as a zesty chicken sloppy joe over rice for a comforting meal. They also pair well with coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the dish. For a fun twist, consider making a Cajun Chicken Burger by using the mixture as a filling for a grilled chicken breast!
How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
To store your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, simply place the leftover mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. For meal prep, consider making a batch over the weekend, allowing you to enjoy quick and delicious meals throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
What’s the secret to perfect Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
The secret lies in the seasoning! Using a good quality Cajun seasoning enhances the flavors of the chicken, making it rich and delicious. It’s also essential to let the mixture simmer so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving, and toast the buns fresh to retain their texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly before adding the sauces. Additionally, monitor the simmering time; undercooking can lead to a watery mixture, while overcooking can dry it out.
Variations of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes You Can Try
Explore different takes on this Cajun classic! For a healthier option, swap in ground turkey for the chicken to create a low-calorie meal. You can also make a vegetarian version using lentils and Cajun spices for a delightful twist. If you want to get creative, try using different buns, like whole grain or gluten-free options, making this dish accessible to everyone!
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: 10 Flavorful Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- to taste salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste pinch of salt
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, crumbling it with a spatula until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste until glossy.
- Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; stir and let simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes until thick. Season with salt and add brown sugar.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in whole milk, cooking for 4–5 minutes until it lightly coats a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low; fold in cheese and paprika until melted. Add salt.
- Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast them.
- Spoon a mound of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bottom bun and ladle the cheese sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with black pepper, cap with top bun, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is best served hot. <li.Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. <li.Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Leave a Reply