Flavorful Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes (Print version)
Saucy ground chicken sloppy joes with Cajun seasoning, peppers, celery, garlic, and a tangy tomato base.
# Ingredients:
For the filling
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
04 -
1 celery rib, finely diced
05 -
1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
08 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce and serving
10 -
1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
11 -
1/4 cup (60 g) ketchup
12 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
14 -
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
15 -
1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
16 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
17 -
4 hamburger buns, toasted
18 -
2 scallions, thinly sliced, optional
19 -
Dill pickle slices, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
02 -
Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until no pink remains and the chicken reaches 165°F.
03 -
Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
04 -
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, and chicken broth. Scrape the skillet well to loosen the browned bits.
05 -
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling is glossy and thick enough to mound on a spoon.
06 -
Spoon the hot Cajun chicken filling onto toasted buns. Top with scallions or pickles if using and serve right away.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for mild heat or 2 tablespoons for a bolder sandwich.
02 -
The filling can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of broth.
03 -
Toast the buns right before serving for the best texture.