Cajun Chicken Sloppy with Spicy Buffalo Sauce
Description:
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy is a fiery twist on your traditional sloppy sandwich! Juicy ground chicken is seasoned with bold Cajun spices, simmered in a homemade spicy Buffalo sauce, and piled high on soft toasted buns. It’s savory, spicy, messy, and utterly delicious, perfect for game day, casual dinners, or whenever you crave bold flavors!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Buffalo Sauce:
¼ cup (60ml) hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon honey (for a slight sweetness)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
To Assemble:
4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
Optional toppings: coleslaw, blue cheese crumbles, sliced pickles, chopped green onions
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the olive oil.
Stir in the hot sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
(Optional) Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want it extra spicy.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the Buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken.
Stir well to combine, allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 3–5 minutes so it absorbs all the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble
Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.
Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
Add toppings of your choice: creamy coleslaw for crunch, blue cheese for tanginess, pickles for zing, or chopped green onions for freshness.
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, based on 4 servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~430 kcal
Protein ~27g
Fat ~21g
Saturated Fat ~8g
Carbohydrates ~33g
Sugar ~7g
Fiber ~2g
Sodium ~1250mg
Cholesterol ~90mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the brand of ingredients and toppings used.
Timing:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Common Questions & Answers (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken?
A: Absolutely! You can use about 2–2½ cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Just toss it with the Cajun seasoning and Buffalo sauce in the pan until heated through.
Q2: How spicy is this dish?
A: It’s moderately spicy. Using Frank’s RedHot gives it good heat without overpowering. If you want it milder, reduce the hot sauce or add a splash of cream to the sauce. If you love heat, add extra cayenne.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook the chicken mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Q4: What side dishes go well with Cajun Chicken Sloppy?
A: Great sides include sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, corn on the cob, potato wedges, or coleslaw.
Q5: Can I make it healthier?
A: You can! Use lean ground chicken breast, reduce olive oil, and serve it open-faced or over a bed of greens instead of buns.
Quick Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional)
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a quick batch:
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Mix and use as needed!
Would you also li
ke me to create a printable recipe card or a meal prep version of it?
(And if you want, I can suggest a drink pairing too!