Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works great in this Cajun chicken sloppy joe recipe—just use whatever you have on hand.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the meat mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat and serve on freshly toasted buns when ready.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze it in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

How long do homemade Sloppy Joes last in the fridge?

Homemade Sloppy Joes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container. They reheat like a dream!

What is a fun fact about Sloppy Joes?

Here’s a fun bite of history: Sloppy Joes are believed to have been created by a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, back in the 1930s. He added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches—and the rest is delicious, messy history.

What is the difference between Sloppy Joes and Sloppy Janes?

Sloppy Janes are often seen as the “lighter” cousin to Sloppy Joes. They typically use leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken (like this one!) and may have a slightly healthier twist with extra veggies or less sugar in the sauce.

How do you thicken Sloppy Joes?

If your sloppy joe mixture turns out a little too, well… sloppy, just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce. You can also stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or even a small cornstarch slurry if you're in a hurry.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes: A Bold & Satisfying Weeknight Win

Description

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold twist on a classic favorite! Made with ground chicken, bell peppers, and a flavorful Cajun-spiced sauce, this weeknight-friendly recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for the whole family. Serve on toasted buns with optional toppings like pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw for a crave-worthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground chicken
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 hamburger buns
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw

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Instructions

Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
Make Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to blend.
Toast Buns: While the filling simmers, toast hamburger buns in a dry skillet or toaster until golden brown.
Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom bun halves. Add your favorite toppings, then close with the top buns.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy the spicy, saucy goodness!

Notes

For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serve the filling over rice or baked potatoes for a bun-free option!
Make it gluten-free with GF buns or lettuce wraps.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 790 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg