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Juicy ground chicken meets bold Cajun spices and sweet pops of corn in these easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. Piled high with melty cheese on toasted buns, they are a fast win for weeknight dinners without skimping on flavor—a meal so good my family asks for seconds every time.
I whipped this dish up on a whim when we had leftover buns and ground chicken and everyone ended up raving about it long after dinner was over.
Ingredients
- Lean ground chicken: Chosen for a lighter but still juicy base try to pick chicken with a bit of fat for best flavor
- Canned corn: Gives pops of sweetness and a satisfying bite choose a variety labeled no sugar added for fresher taste
- Diced red onions: Adds sharp brightness to balance the creamy filling fresher onions will be firmer and more pungent
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings rich savory body to the filling look for low sodium if you are watching salt
- Cajun seasoning: The star for spicy southern flavors go for a trusted blend or mix your own with paprika garlic powder and dried herbs
- Onion powder: Deepens the flavor from fresh onions and boosts complexity check for freshness by smell—it should be pungent
- Salt: Season to bring everything together use fine sea salt for best dispersion
- Pepper: Lifts and rounds out the spice choose freshly ground black pepper for extra zing
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together real mayo gives more depth than light versions
- Large hamburger buns: The sturdy vehicle for all that filling bakery fresh buns don’t fall apart as quickly
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Melts for luscious gooey texture and tang buy cheese in blocks and shred for best melt and taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Toast Buns:
- Heat your oven to 400 F so you can toast the buns just right later. Lay the buns cut-side up on a baking sheet so they are ready for a quick oven trip when the filling is almost done.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Place the ground chicken into a large sauté pan set over medium high heat. Use a sturdy spatula to break the meat up as it cooks keep stirring and crumbling until you see no more pink and the chicken has a bit of browning which means more flavor.
- Cook the Veggies:
- Add the drained corn and finely diced red onions to the pan. Stir well and let everything cook together for about three minutes so the onions begin to soften and the corn warms up.
- Season and Simmer the Mixture:
- Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup Cajun seasoning onion powder salt and pepper. Mix well to combine and drop the heat to low. This lets all those flavors mingle perfectly and keeps the filling creamy.
- Add the Mayonnaise:
- Fold in the mayonnaise just until everything is smoothly incorporated. Resist overmixing as it can dull the flavor. Let the mixture gently heat for a minute so it stays thick and rich.
- Toast the Buns:
- Quickly place your prepared hamburger buns in the oven. Heat for about four or five minutes until the tops are golden but still soft inside. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Pile the hot chicken mixture onto the bottom buns using a large spoon. Sprinkle the shredded cheese right onto the hot filling so it melts slightly. Cover with the top bun gently pressing down to hold it all together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve while warm and gooey. These are best enjoyed as soon as possible for maximum cheese pull and crisp bun.
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Cajun seasoning is my favorite part of this meal—it wakes up boring weeknight dinners and brings a little Louisiana sparkle to everyday cooking. The first time I made these my kids laughed at the “messy sandwiches” but now it is a tradition to see who can eat theirs without making a mess.
Storage Tips
Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Always keep buns separate to prevent sogginess—toast them right before serving. To reheat gently warm the filling on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave in short bursts stirring until hot throughout.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or lean beef if chicken is unavailable they are both equally delicious. Swap in Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise for a tangy lighter filling. For a dairy free version simply omit the cheese or try your favorite plant based shreds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with crisp coleslaw simple pickles or oven fries for a complete meal. For extra flair serve with potato chips and a green salad. I sometimes add extra hot sauce or a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
Cultural Context
Inspired by the classic messy sandwiches loved across America these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes add a southern twist with bold spices and the creamy comforts of moist filling. Louisiana’s Cajun influence shines in the zesty seasoning—reminding me of vibrant New Orleans street food markets.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What level of spiciness does this dish have?
The Cajun seasoning gives this dish a moderate, smoky heat that can be adjusted by varying the amount used, suitable for those who enjoy a flavorful kick.
- → Can I use other types of cheese for the topping?
Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella and cheddar with cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or gouda for a smoky twist.
- → Is it necessary to toast the buns before serving?
Toasting the buns enhances their texture and helps them hold up better against the moist filling, creating a pleasant crunch and preventing sogginess.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling in advance and reheat it before assembling the sandwiches for convenience during busy days.
- → Are there any tips for cooking the ground chicken evenly?
Cook the ground chicken over medium-high heat and crumble it thoroughly while cooking to ensure even browning and a consistent texture.