Description
Lean ground chicken simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet Cajun-spiced tomato sauce and piled onto buttery toasted brioche buns — a bold, comforting twist on classic sloppy joes.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1.5 lb ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 brioche buns
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns)
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, extra hot sauce
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion is translucent.
2. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground chicken to the center. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and crumbled into bite-sized pieces.
3. Stir the vegetables into the chicken, add the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to bloom the spices.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning and brown sugar or vinegar to balance heat and sweetness.
6. While the filling simmers, butter the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden.
7. Spoon the hot Cajun chicken mixture generously onto each toasted bun bottom, add any desired toppings, cap with the bun top, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ground chicken is a lean, mild base—substitute ground turkey or pork if desired.
The Cajun “holy trinity” (onion, celery, bell pepper) is essential for authentic flavor.
Make a quick homemade Cajun seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano to control heat.
Adjust brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to taste for more or less sweetness/tang.
Brioche buns add buttery sweetness—toast them for best contrast with the spicy filling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave. The filling also freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun / American