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A close-up of delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Crunchy Toppings

These Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are packed with flavor and topped with a variety of crunchy ingredients for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a fun and messy dinner!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sloppy Joe Mixture
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional, for balance
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
  • 6-8 hamburger buns split and lightly toasted
Optional Toppings
  • Coleslaw
  • Pickled Jalapeños
  • Crispy Fried Onions
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Avocado Slices or Guacamole
  • Fried Egg
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Pickles (Dill or Bread & Butter)
  • Hot Sauce Drizzle
  • Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Sloppy Joe Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink, draining any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until soft, then stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and optional brown sugar.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken and deepen flavors, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat if desired.
Serving
  1. While the mixture simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns.
  2. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns and add your preferred optional toppings.

Notes

For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Customize your sloppy joes with your favorite crunchy toppings to add texture and flavor.