There’s just something about a good sloppy joe that brings back childhood memories of messy, delicious weeknight dinners. But if you’re looking to take this comfort food favorite to the next level, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are exactly what you need. They’re packed with bold Cajun flavors, juicy ground chicken, and a creamy, cheesy twist that makes them completely irresistible.
Not only is this recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, if you love a little heat and a lot of cheesy goodness, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
For the filling:
- 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 black pepper
- ½ cup mayo
For assembly:
- 4 large hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven for Toasting the Buns
Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for when it’s time to toast the buns, giving them that perfect golden crispiness. Because let’s be honest, no one likes a soggy bun!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Now, let’s get to the main event—cooking that delicious Cajun chicken filling. Grab a large sauté pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground chicken and cook until it’s completely crumbled and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Since ground chicken is naturally leaner than beef, it won’t release a lot of fat. If you notice any excess liquid in the pan, feel free to drain it off before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Once your chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to add some texture and sweetness. Stir in the drained canned corn and diced red onions. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, just long enough for the onions to soften slightly and the flavors to start coming together.
The corn adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning, while the red onions give the dish a little crunch and extra flavor.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Flavorful
Here’s where the magic happens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into one rich, creamy mixture.
The Cajun seasoning is what really sets this dish apart. It gives the sloppy joes that signature spicy kick, but if you prefer a milder version, you can always adjust the amount to your taste.
Step 5: Add the Mayo for Extra Creaminess
Now for the secret ingredient that takes these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes to the next level—mayo! It might sound unexpected, but trust me, it makes all the difference. Stir in ½ cup of mayo, making sure it’s well combined with the chicken mixture. This step adds an extra layer of richness and smooths out the bold Cajun flavors, creating a creamy, almost velvety texture.
If you’re not a huge mayo fan, don’t worry—it doesn’t overpower the dish. Instead, it blends beautifully with the cream of chicken soup, balancing the spices while keeping the filling moist and delicious.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
A great sandwich starts with a perfectly toasted bun. You’ve already preheated the oven to 400°F (200°C), so now it’s time to put it to good use.
Place the hamburger buns on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut-side up. Pop them into the oven and let them toast for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned and crisp around the edges.
Toasting the buns does two important things:
- It adds a slight crunch, giving your sloppy joe a better texture.
- It helps prevent the bun from getting soggy once the creamy chicken filling is added.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can brush the buns with a little melted butter before toasting them. This gives them a richer flavor and makes them even more irresistible.
Step 7: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Now comes the best part—putting everything together!
- Take the toasted bottom buns and spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each one.
- Be sure to spread the mixture evenly so that every bite is packed with flavor.
- If you like your sandwiches extra saucy, you can always add a little more filling.
These sandwiches are meant to be messy, so don’t be afraid to pile it on!
Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping
No sloppy joe is complete without melty, gooey cheese, and this recipe is no exception. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the chicken mixture. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives you the best of both worlds—mozzarella for that classic stretchy melt and cheddar for a bold, slightly sharp flavor.
If you want the cheese to be extra melty, you can pop the assembled sandwiches back into the oven for a minute or two, just until the cheese starts to bubble.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, place the top buns on and serve these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes while they’re hot. The first bite is an explosion of flavors—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of messy.
These sloppy joes pair perfectly with crispy fries, coleslaw, or even a simple side salad if you’re looking for a lighter option. And if you want to turn up the heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning on top will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and gives you a similar texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit leaner, so you might need to add a splash of oil while cooking to keep it from drying out.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level really depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some brands are spicier than others, so if you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2, and add more if needed. You can also balance out the spice by adding a little extra mayo or cheese.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The Cajun chicken mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through, then assemble the sandwiches as usual.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
If you want to switch things up, try using pepper jack for extra spice, smoked gouda for a deeper flavor, or provolone for a mild, creamy melt. Any good melting cheese will work!
5. Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes! The cooked Cajun chicken mixture freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
6. What can I serve with these sloppy joes?
These sandwiches pair well with:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
- A side salad for a lighter meal
- Pickles or jalapeños for extra tang and spice
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is also dairy-free (some brands contain milk), or substitute it with a dairy-free creamy soup option.
Final Thoughts
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a fun, flavorful twist on a classic, and they come together so easily! The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and melty cheese makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, they’re sure to be a hit.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Do you have any favorite toppings or side dishes you like to serve with your sloppy joes? Drop a comment and share your thoughts! Happy cooking!
PrintCajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a spicy and creamy twist on a classic! Packed with bold Cajun flavors, juicy ground chicken, and melty cheese, this easy recipe makes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground chicken
4 large hamburger buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
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 black pepper
½ cup mayo
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for toasting the buns.
2️⃣ Cook the chicken: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground chicken until it’s well crumbled and fully cooked.
3️⃣ Add veggies: Stir in the canned corn and diced red onions. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions soften slightly.
4️⃣ Make it creamy: Mix in the condensed cream of chicken soup, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
5️⃣ Add mayo: Stir in the mayo until it’s well combined with the rest of the mixture. This adds an extra layer of creaminess.
6️⃣ Toast the buns: Place the hamburger buns on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in the oven until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
7️⃣ Assemble: Remove the buns from the oven and spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom buns.
8️⃣ Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the chicken mixture. Place the top buns on and serve hot.
Notes
🔸 Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference—add more for extra heat!
🔸 Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version.
🔸 Serve with a side of coleslaw or crispy fries for a complete meal.
🔥 Enjoy your Cajun-style sloppy goodness! 🔥
