Description
How to make easy Cajun chicken sloppy joes with tender chicken and spicy sauce that your family will absolutely love.
Ingredients
- Base Components:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 6–8 hamburger buns, brioche or potato recommended
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- Sauce Foundation:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Toppings & Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Veggies: Finely dice the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. This “holy trinity” is crucial for the base flavor of your Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a touch of oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This builds a flavorful foundation for your sloppy joes.
- Build Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika with the softened vegetables. Cook for one minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom. This technique deepens the rich, authentic taste for your Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes.
- Simmer Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, along with crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld perfectly.
- Toast Buns: While the chicken mixture simmers, lightly toast your hamburger buns until golden. This adds a nice texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy. A perfectly toasted bun is key for delicious Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the warm Cajun chicken mixture onto each toasted bun. Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve your Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Finely dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery for the essential flavor base and correct texture; avoid over-simmering the sauce.
Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; cool completely before storing.
Ground chicken can substitute shredded chicken; brown it first and drain fat for a delicious, though texturally different, result.
Serve warm on toasted buns with shredded cheddar and fresh parsley. A dollop of cool ranch dressing cuts through the spice beautifully.
Gently toast Cajun seasoning and paprika in oil with aromatics to significantly deepen the overall flavor of your sloppy joes.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Fish