Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a perfectly balanced blend of Cajun spices, creating a flavorful, mildly spicy filling that’s perfect for buns.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, hearty, and full of bold flavor without the heaviness of traditional beef sloppy joes.

Ingredients

Cajun Chicken Filling

1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sandwich Assembly

4 sandwich buns, toasted
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, lettuce

Instructions

Cook Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Cook Chicken
Add ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
Add Sauce & Seasoning
Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble Sloppy Joes
Spoon chicken mixture onto toasted buns. Add optional toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, or pickles.
Serve
Serve immediately with a side of fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Customize Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Bun Choice: Brioche buns add a slightly sweet flavor that balances the spiciness.
Moist Filling: Use chicken broth to keep the filling juicy and flavorful.
Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and reheat; assemble sandwiches just before serving.

Variations

Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Top each sandwich with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat lovers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables.
Perfect for lunch boxes, casual family dinners, or game-day meals.
Pair with a cold beverage or homemade lemonade for a complete, satisfying meal.

Fun Facts

Sloppy Joes originated in the United States in the 1930s and were traditionally made with ground beef and tomato sauce.
Cajun seasoning adds a Louisiana-inspired twist, infusing the dish with paprika, garlic, onion, and a hint of spice.
Using ground chicken creates a lighter, leaner version that’s perfect for family-friendly dinners.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances bold Cajun spices with juicy chicken, creating a flavorful yet healthy alternative to traditional sloppy joes. Cooking the vegetables first adds sweetness and depth, while the chicken absorbs the spices for a rich, satisfying filling.

Nutrition (per serving, 1 sandwich)

Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 650mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 30%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 15%