Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes deliver a flavor explosion with smoky Cajun spices and the comforting familiarity of a classic sandwich. This recipe elevates the traditional Sloppy Joe with tender shredded chicken and a rich, slightly spicy Cajun sauce, making it a quick, easy, and unforgettable weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or oven for buns
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked, shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 6-8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste is slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and hot sauce (to taste).
- Heat through, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Spoon the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture onto the hamburger buns.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. Mix in some cooked and crumbled andouille sausage for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Top your Sloppy Joes with a scoop of creamy coleslaw for a cool and crunchy contrast. Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from becoming soggy. If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh. If you're out of brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Adjust the level of heat by using a milder hot sauce or omitting it altogether. Use gluten-free buns to make this recipe gluten-free.