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recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing ground chicken cajun seasoning onion green bell pepper celery garlic crushed tomatoes brown sugar heavy cream hot sauce cheese slaw sour cream arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

These Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring a spicy, New Orleans-inspired twist to classic comfort food, using lean ground chicken and the Cajun holy trinity for a quick, flavor-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter - For sautéing
  • 1 lb 1 lb Ground Chicken - Lean ground chicken or turkey
Cajun “Holy Trinity”
  • 1 1 medium Yellow Onion - finely diced
  • 1 1 large Green Bell Pepper - finely diced
  • 1 1 stalk Celery - finely diced
  • 2-3 cloves 2-3 cloves Garlic - minced
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning - adjust to taste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes - or tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup Chicken Broth or Water - to loosen the sauce
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Brown Sugar - to balance acidity
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Worcestershire sauce - for umami
Optional Additions
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Hot Sauce - like Frank's or Tabasco, optional
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup Heavy Cream - for richness, optional
Serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crumble the ground chicken into the empty space and cook until halfway done. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until meat is browned.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds. Pour in chicken broth or water and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in vinegar and any optional additions like hot sauce or heavy cream. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to thicken.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Spoon onto toasted buns and serve immediately with sides like coleslaw or chips.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 12g

Notes

Pro Tips: Use butter if chicken is lean for extra fat; toast buns to prevent sogginess. Variations: Make gluten-free with GF buns or add okra and rice for a skillet meal. Serving: Pair with coleslaw, onion rings, or pickles. Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with water or broth.
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