Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (8 oz / 227 g) can tomato sauce
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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4–6 burger buns
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Optional toppings: pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (5–7 minutes).
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Veggies
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Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet.
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Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add Sauce & Seasoning
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Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Assemble Sloppy Joes
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Toast buns lightly if desired.
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Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the buns.
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Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.
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Tips
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For a creamier version, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or shredded cheddar at the end.
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Double the recipe for meal prep—it freezes well!
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Serve with potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a side salad.
If you want, I can also make a spicy Cajun honey glaze version that adds a little sweet heat for an extra kick. Do you want that version too?