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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe

  • Author: Melissa
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a flavorful twist on a classic dish, featuring ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering, this recipe combines spices and toppings for a satisfying experience that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup sliced pickles (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
  3. Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. If you’re using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain them slightly before adding to avoid excess liquid. Stir the tomatoes into the chicken mixture.
  6. Next, add the tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined. The brown sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and ketchup.
  7. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  8. After simmering, taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the spices if you want more heat or flavor.
  9. While the chicken mixture is simmering, you can prepare the hamburger buns. If you prefer toasted buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. Slice the hamburger buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. If you like, you can spread a little butter on the cut sides for extra flavor.
  11. Toast the buns in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  12. Once the chicken mixture is ready and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble the Sloppy Joes. Start by spooning a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
  13. Top the chicken mixture with shredded lettuce for a nice crunch. You can also add sliced pickles for a tangy contrast.
  14. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the lettuce. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese works wonderfully with the Cajun flavors.
  15. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. Press down gently to help everything stay together.
  16. Serve the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes immediately while they are warm. They pair perfectly with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
  17. If you have leftovers, store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving it again.
  18. For a fun twist, try serving the chicken mixture over rice or in a baked potato for a different take on this delicious dish.
  19. If you want to make this dish even spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
  20. For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or lean beef for the ground chicken. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free buns if you prefer.
  21. Feel free to customize the toppings! Avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing can add a unique twist to your Sloppy Joes.
  22. If you’re preparing this dish for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Notes

  • Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
  • Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://melissarecipes.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes/