Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:
For the Chicken Mixture:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving:
Hamburger buns or whole wheat rolls
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, or melted cheese
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper (if using). Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Create the Sauce
Pour in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until evenly coated in the sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to deepen and sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve Hot
Toast hamburger buns lightly if desired. Spoon Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto each bun. Top with your favorite toppings—shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, or melted cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings