Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Pickles or coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Season and Combine:
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Make the Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the toasted buns.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, and top with pickles or coleslaw if desired.
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are flavorful, zesty, and a fun twist on a classic dish. Serve them with fries, chips, or a salad for a complete meal.