Spice Up Dinner with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Hey everyone, Benjamin here! Remember my grandma’s Texas BBQ? Well, today’s recipe brings a whole different kind of delicious to the table, and it’s all about spicing things up! We’re talking Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes , a dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. Trust me,
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes:
- 2 chicken breasts, ground or finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Easy Steps to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Making these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes is a breeze, I promise. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners fun and flavorful without a ton of fuss. Trust me, you’re going to love this one it’s a real game-changer! This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe is so easy, even Adams and Jana can help out (with supervision, of course!).
- First things first, let’s get that chicken cooked. You can use ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover cooked chicken breasts – whatever you’ve got on hand. If you’re starting with raw ground chicken, brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. No need to add oil if your pan is non-stick; otherwise, a little olive oil will do the trick. Drain off any excess fat.
- Now, here’s where the magic happens. Add your chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables are softened – about 5 minutes or so. The aroma in your kitchen at this point? Heavenly!
- Time for the Cajun spice party! Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning blend, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like things extra spicy). Stir it all together and let those flavors meld for a minute or two. The smell of those spices is just incredible it really gets your appetite going! This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture is going to be bursting with flavor.
- Next, pour in your chicken broth and tomato sauce. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to really deepen and develop, making your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe something truly special. Pro-tip: a little simmering goes a long way in creating a rich, delicious sauce.
- Finally, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Now for the fun part! Pile that flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture high onto your favorite buns. We love toasted brioche buns, but classic hamburger buns, slider buns, or even lettuce wraps work great too! And don’t be shy with the toppings! Emily is a big fan of coleslaw on her Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, while I prefer a classic dill pickle.
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- Classic Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, coleslaw
- Spicy Kick: Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, hot sauce
- Fresh and Zesty: Chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice
And, because I love to experiment in the kitchen, here are a few variations on this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe recipe that you might want to try:
- Smoky Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: Use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Healthy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: Serve the mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option. You can find more healthy recipes, just like this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe on Mister Recipe.
There you have it, folks! A simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe that I know you and your family will love. It’s a weeknight winner for sure. This Cajun chicken sloppy joe meal is sure to become a family favorite, just like it is in the Sharif household! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
I know you might have a few questions about this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
How spicy are these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
The spice level is totally customizable! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can always add more to taste. For the spice lovers out there, feel free to crank up the heat! This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe can be as mild or as wild as you like.
What can I use instead of buns?
Get creative! Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb option. You could also serve the Cajun chicken sloppy joe mixture over rice, quinoa, or even baked potatoes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You bet! The Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What’s a good side dish for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes?
So many options! A classic coleslaw is always a hit, and a simple green salad adds a refreshing touch. Potato salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even some crispy french fries would also be delicious companions to your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes.
Amazing Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- skillet,
Ingredients
- 2 breasts chicken ground or finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 each red bell pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 each hamburger buns
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and let cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Toast the buns and scoop the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bun. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
A Final Word on Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
So there you have it my take on Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, a dish as vibrant and full of life as a New Orleans street party! This isn’t just a simple sandwich; it’s a celebration of flavor, a comforting weeknight meal, and a surefire way to bring a smile to your family’s faces. From the aromatic spices to the juicy chicken and the endless topping possibilities, Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a true culinary adventure.
Remember what my grandma always said: “Cooking isn’t just about food, it’s about making people happy.” And these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes? They’re pure happiness on a bun. So gather your loved ones, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the joy of good food, shared together. Now go on, give this cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe a try! I know you’ll love it as much as we do. Until next time, happy cooking from the Sharif kitchen!
