Description
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe offers a spicy, creamy twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is cooked with aromatic vegetables and bold Cajun seasoning, then simmered in a rich sauce made with crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, hot sauce, and heavy cream. Served on toasted burger rolls with cheese, slaw, sour cream, and shredded lettuce, these sandwiches are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½-1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving
- 4 burger rolls
- Sliced cheese
- Slaw
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Melt the fats: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until combined and hot.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Break the meat apart as it cooks and allow it to brown for about 5 minutes until it changes color evenly.
- Add seasoning and garlic: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 3 minced garlic cloves over the chicken. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute, ensuring the garlic does not brown or burn.
- Create the sauce: Pour in ½ cup of crushed tomatoes, add ½ tablespoon brown sugar, and ½ to 1 teaspoon of hot sauce if desired. Then stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix all ingredients well and reduce the heat to low to gently simmer.
- Simmer the mixture: Let the chicken mixture cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning at the bottom of the skillet and to allow flavors to meld.
- Season to taste: Taste your mixture and add ¼ teaspoon of salt or adjust according to your preference.
- Prepare to serve: Toast the 4 burger rolls lightly. Then assemble the sandwiches by spooning the Cajun chicken mixture onto each roll. Top with sliced cheese, slaw, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded lettuce as desired before serving.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought per your preference; it should be bold and spicy.
- Adjust the amount of salt based on your taste and dietary needs.
- Stirring frequently during simmering is key to prevent burning and create a creamy, well-integrated sauce.
- Toasting the rolls adds crunch and prevents them from getting soggy when layered with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
