Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound ground chicken
02 -
1 bell pepper, cut into small, colorful dice
03 -
1 small onion, finely diced
04 -
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 -
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
06 -
1/4 cup ketchup
07 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
09 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
11 -
1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
→ For Serving
12 -
4 fresh hamburger buns
13 -
Sliced pickles (optional)
14 -
Shredded cheese (optional)
15 -
Creamy coleslaw (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Toss in your diced bell pepper and onion, letting them dance in the pan until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
02 -
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook just until you can smell its wonderful aroma, about a minute - be careful not to let it brown!
03 -
Add your ground chicken to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until the chicken loses its pink color completely, roughly 5-7 minutes.
04 -
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing all those amazing flavors to get to know each other.
05 -
While your filling is simmering, toast those hamburger buns until they're just golden brown and slightly crispy.
06 -
Pile the hot Cajun chicken mixture onto your toasted bun bottoms. Add any toppings that make your heart happy - pickles, cheese, or coleslaw are all fantastic choices. Crown your creation with the top buns.
# Notes:
01 -
Use sturdy buns like kaiser rolls to prevent your sandwich from getting soggy
02 -
Feel free to adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of cayenne in your Cajun seasoning