Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

A Cajun-spiced twist on a classic, these ground chicken sloppy joes are simmered in a zesty tomato sauce and piled onto toasted brioche buns with your choice of bold toppings.

This recipe transforms tender ground chicken into a flavorful Cajun-inspired version of sloppy joes, simmered with onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce enhanced with Worcestershire, hot sauce, and warm spices. Served on toasted brioche or hamburger buns, the saucy chicken mixture is hearty, slightly smoky, and customizable with toppings like cheese, pickles, coleslaw, or spicy mayo for an extra kick. It’s a quick, comforting meal that puts a bold twist on a nostalgic classic.

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 brioche or hamburger buns, toasted

For the Sloppy Sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

For the Seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat preference)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Optional Toppings
Cheese slices
Pickles
Coleslaw
Spicy mayo

Preparation

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small chunks and place them in the freezer briefly to firm up.
  • Pulse the chilled chicken in a food processor until finely ground but not pasty.
  • Finely chop the onion and dice the bell pepper.
  • Mince the garlic.
  • Mix together the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and brown sugar (if using) in a small bowl.
  • Prepare any optional toppings and have the buns ready for toasting.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
  • Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook briefly to bloom the spices.
  • Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir well to combine.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes saucy.
  • Toast the buns cut-side down in a skillet or toaster until lightly golden.

Serving

  • Spoon the sloppy chicken mixture onto the toasted buns.
  • Add cheese, pickles, coleslaw, or spicy mayo as desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy immediately.