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These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes put a zesty spin on an old favorite. By mixing bold Cajun flavors with ground chicken, a smooth sauce, and crunchy veggies, you'll get a filling, tasty meal ready in under half an hour.
Fast and Kid-Approved Dinner
When you're short on time, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes come to the rescue. They're a tasty one-pan wonder that everyone will love. The mix of tender chicken, punchy spices, and thick sauce really hits the spot. You can even freeze leftovers for another day, making them perfect for planning ahead.
Ingredients You'll Want
- Fresh or Thawed Ground Chicken: 1 lb (450g)
- Finely Chopped Onion: 1 medium
- Diced Green Bell Pepper: 1
- Minced Garlic: 3 cloves
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Salt: Add as needed
- Hot Sauce: ½ tsp, if you like heat
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 cup (240ml)
- Soft Burger Rolls: For serving
Easy Cooking Steps
- Toast buns and set aside
- Simmer until mix thickens up nicely
- Mix in garlic and tomatoes
- Sprinkle in Cajun spices and stir well
- Cook ground chicken until no pink shows
- Chop veggies and cook until they soften
Cooking Tips for Success
Keep the heat low when cooking your veggies so they get nice and soft. Scatter your spices all over the mix for better flavor in every bite. Always give it a taste before adding more salt. You can make the sauce runnier or thicker based on what you like best.
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Easy Customization Ideas
Don't have chicken? Try ground beef, pork or turkey instead. Toss in extra veggies like carrots, corn or spinach to pack in more goodness. Want it cheesy? Add some sharp cheddar, provolone or pepper jack on top. Not feeling the buns? Spoon this tasty mix over baked potatoes or rice for a fork-friendly meal.
Rounding Out Your Dinner
Put your sloppy joe mix on warm, toasted buns and maybe add some shredded lettuce or a dollop of sour cream. Round things out with sides like Cajun fries, corn on the cob, or coleslaw. Need a drink? Try a slightly dry Riesling or cool Pinot Grigio to balance the spices, or grab a Zinfandel or chilled Grenache which go great with this meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the chicken for turkey?
Absolutely, turkey works just as well. Cook it all the way through, and you’ll still have a great dish with the same texture.
- → How spicy will this be?
It depends on the Cajun mix you use and if you add hot sauce. Use a mild blend and skip the sauce to tone it down.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
You can store the cooked mix in the fridge for a couple of days. Warm it up in a pan or microwave and serve fresh buns when ready.
- → What sides go with this meal?
Go for items like fries, a side salad, coleslaw, or even corn on the cob. All are great options to pair up.
- → Is freezing the mix an option?
Yes, you can freeze it for around three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and make sure to reheat it completely before eating.