If you’re ready to take your Sloppy Joe game to the next level, this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe delivers everything you love about the original—messy, saucy, and satisfying—but with a Southern kick. Made with ground chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a tangy tomato base, this version is lighter, leaner, and bursting with smoky heat.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day eats, or feeding a hungry crowd, these chicken Sloppy Joes are ready in under 30 minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• A leaner, protein-packed alternative to beef

• Bold Cajun flavors in every bite

• Done in under 30 minutes

• Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly

• Great for kids and adults (adjust spice level as needed)

• One-skillet cleanup

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

Ground Chicken

• Lean and mild, ground chicken is a great base for absorbing spices and sauce.

• Use 93% lean for best flavor and moisture.

Cajun Seasoning

• A savory-spicy mix of paprika, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

• Use store-bought or homemade.

Onion & Bell Pepper

• Classic aromatic base; add natural sweetness and bulk.

• Red bell pepper is ideal for a touch of sweetness, but green works too.

Garlic

• Adds a bold punch of flavor that balances the spice.

Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes

• Forms the saucy base—rich, tangy, and perfect for soaking into buns.

Worcestershire Sauce

• Adds depth and that irresistible umami flavor.

Brown Sugar (Optional)

• Just a touch balances the heat with subtle sweetness.

Buns

• Classic hamburger buns, brioche, or even hoagie rolls.

• Toasting the buns adds texture and keeps them from getting soggy.

Optional Toppings:

• Pickles, pepper jack cheese, coleslaw, avocado slices, or hot sauce.

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How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

1. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet:

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

• Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced red bell pepper.

• Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.

2. Add Garlic and Ground Chicken

• Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

• Add 1 lb ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon.

• Cook for 6–7 minutes, until no longer pink.

3. Season the Mix

Stir in:

• 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky depth)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Mix well to coat the chicken and veggies.

4. Add Sauce Ingredients

Pour in:

• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

• 1–2 tbsp water or broth (to loosen the sauce, as needed)

Let simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

5. Toast the Buns

While the filling simmers:

• Lightly butter the insides of your buns.

• Toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.

6. Assemble and Serve

Spoon the spicy, saucy Cajun chicken mixture onto toasted buns.
Top with:

• Pickles

• Shredded cheese (pepper jack is great!)

• A scoop of creamy coleslaw

• Hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for extra heat

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Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Pro Tips:

• Taste your Cajun seasoning before using—some brands are saltier than others.

• If using very lean chicken (99%), add a splash of olive oil or broth to keep it moist.

• Make extra and freeze portions for fast future meals.

Variations:

• Add beans: Stir in 1/2 cup black beans for extra protein and fiber.

• Make it cheesy: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack into the meat mixture before serving.

• Low-carb version: Serve over lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or in a bell pepper “bun.”

Spice Level Adjustments:

• Mild: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp and skip cayenne or extra hot sauce.

• Hot: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the skillet.

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What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches are hearty, bold, and pair well with both classic sides and fresh options.

Classic Pairings:

• French fries or sweet potato fries

• Potato wedges or hash browns

• Baked beans

• Onion rings

Lighter Sides:

• Coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based)

• Simple green salad

• Roasted veggies

• Corn on the cob

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe recipe is:

• High in protein (~25–30g per serving)

• Lower in fat than traditional beef Sloppy Joes

• Easily made gluten-free with GF buns

• Customizable for low-carb or dairy-free diets

To make it healthier:

• Use whole wheat or lettuce wraps

• Reduce sugar or omit entirely

• Add extra veggies (grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes—ground turkey works perfectly and has a similar lean profile.

2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

It can be! Some blends are mild, others are hotter. Taste yours before adding and adjust to your spice preference.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave.

4. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply skip any cheese toppings. The filling itself is dairy-free.

5. Can I freeze the filling?

Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

6. What buns work best?

Brioche, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns are all great. For a crispier bite, toast before assembling.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This is a great recipe for batch cooking or feeding a crowd. Double all ingredients and use a large skillet or Dutch oven.

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