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Sloppy Joes have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, evolving from humble beginnings to become a staple in American households. The original Sloppy Joe, a mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, and spices served on a bun, is believed to have originated in the 1930s in a small bar in Sioux City, Iowa. This simple yet satisfying dish quickly gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and the ability to feed a crowd.

Delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinners with a tantalizing twist on a classic favorite: Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! This easy recipe combines ground chicken with aromatic vegetables and a bold mix of Cajun spices, resulting in a flavor-packed meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for casual gatherings or family nights, these messy sandwiches balance savory, sweet, and spicy elements for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Discover how to prepare this deliciously unforgettable meal today!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juices

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

4 hamburger buns, toasted

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional: Sliced jalapeños for added heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

    Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

      Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—about 5-7 minutes.

        Mix in Spices and Sauce: Once the chicken is browned, stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato paste. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

          Simmer: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Prepare the Buns: While the mix simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or on a skillet.

              Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with chopped parsley and sliced jalapeños, if desired.

                Serve and Enjoy: Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately with your favorite sides like coleslaw or potato chips.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings