Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of comfort food with a spicy kick! These are like your classic sloppy joes, but with a flavorful twist that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. I’ve always been a fan of dishes that pack a punch, and the Cajun seasoning in this recipe definitely delivers. Plus, it’s a great way to change things up from the usual ground beef version. The ground chicken keeps it lighter, and that creamy sauce with melted cheese? It’s pure magic.

 

I remember making these for the first time on a rainy weeknight when I was craving something filling but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They came together so quickly, and the best part? The whole family loved them! Even the picky eaters. The blend of chicken, corn, onions, and a creamy, zesty sauce makes for the ultimate hearty sandwich.

Equipment

• Large sauté pan
• Baking sheet
• Spatula for crumbling the chicken
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 15 oz canned corn, drained
• ½ cup diced red onions
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 4 large hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get the buns nice and toasty later.
2. Cook the ground chicken: In a large sauté pan, add the ground chicken over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, making sure there are no large chunks. Cook the chicken all the way through until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add the veggies: Once the chicken is cooked, add in the canned corn and diced red onions. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3 minutes to soften the onions a bit and mix all the flavors.
4. Make it creamy and spicy: Now it’s time to bring in the flavor. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the mayo: Stir in the mayo until it’s fully incorporated into the sauce. This makes the mixture extra creamy and rich. Let the mixture simmer on low heat while you get the buns ready.
6. Toast the buns: Place the hamburger buns on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut side up. Pop them in the oven for 4-5 minutes, just until they’re lightly toasted and golden brown.
7. Assemble the sloppy joes: Once the buns are toasted, it’s time to build your sloppy joes! Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top of the chicken mixture. The heat from the chicken will help melt the cheese, but if you want it extra gooey, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two.
8. Top and serve: Place the top buns on, and your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are ready to go! Serve them hot and watch them disappear.

Tips:

• Cheese options: If you want to switch up the cheese, try pepper jack for even more heat or a smoked gouda for something extra rich.
• Spice level: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you like things extra spicy, add a little crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
• Bun options: While hamburger buns are classic, these also work great with brioche buns or even toasted sub rolls if you want something heartier.

Serving Suggestions

These sloppy joes are delicious with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. If you want to stay on theme, some Cajun-style coleslaw would pair perfectly with these sandwiches!

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe if you prefer it over chicken.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne based on your spice preference.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the mixture, toast the buns, and assemble.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the chicken mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe. They’re quick to make, pack a punch of flavor, and are perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels just a little bit special. Plus, who can resist that melty cheese on top? Give these a try, and I promise they’ll be a hit at your dinner table!