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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes served on toasted hamburger buns with melted cheese and spicy Louisiana style chicken filling

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

A spicy Louisiana twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich featuring lean ground chicken, bold Cajun flavors, and a creamy tomato sauce ready in about 45 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Louisiana
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken 450g
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can whole kernel corn 15 oz, drained
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce optional
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4-6 hamburger buns soft
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet
  • Wooden spatula or cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop golden edges. You'll know they're ready when the onions become translucent and your kitchen fills with a sweet, garlicky aroma.
  2. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, crumbling thoroughly and stirring frequently until no pink remains and the chicken develops light brown coloring throughout. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly across the cooked chicken and stir well to distribute the spices throughout. Add the drained corn and mix until combined.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined. Add hot sauce if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon and fall in thick ribbons.
  5. While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place hamburger buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. Remove the toasted buns from the oven and immediately sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on the bottom halves.
  7. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the cheese-topped buns and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Adjust hot sauce to match your spice tolerance. The filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Keep filling separate from buns until ready to serve to maintain the best texture. Never assemble sandwiches in advance for storage.