Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Sliced cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Colby‑Jack) for a cheesier version Gourmet Mastermind+1

• Shredded lettuce or slaw (for crunch) Gourmet Mastermind+1

• Sour cream — ideal if your version is spicy Creatives Cookery+1

• Pickles, extra hot sauce, or coleslaw on the side for contrast Creatives Cookery+1

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‍ Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (and celery if using). Cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Sprinkles and Sprouts+2Creatives Cookery+2

   • Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkles and Sprouts+1

2. Cook the Chicken

   • Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink — about 5–6 minutes. No Dash of Gluten+1

3. Season & Build the Sauce

   • Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken mixture. Stir to coat well. Sprinkles and Sprouts+1

   • Add the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), brown sugar, and optional hot sauce. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkles and Sprouts+1

4. Add Cream & Simmer

   • Pour in the heavy cream (or milk/cream substitute). Stir thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for about 10–15 minutes (stirring occasionally), until it thickens and becomes saucy. Sprinkles and Sprouts+1

   • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as needed.

5. Toast the Buns & Assemble

   • While the mixture simmers, lightly toast your burger buns — this helps prevent them from getting soggy from the saucy filling. Gourmet Mastermind+1

   • Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, add desired toppings (cheese, lettuce, slaw, sour cream), then place the top bun on.

6. Serve Immediately

   • Serve hot, because sloppy joes are best when fresh and saucy. Ideal with side dishes like french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or even a simple salad. Sprinkles and Sprouts+1

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Variations & Tips

• Milder version: Reduce the Cajun seasoning by half and skip hot sauce — still flavorful but gentler on spice-sensitive eaters.

• Cheesy Cajun Joes: Stir in shredded cheese (pepper jack or cheddar) near the end so it melts into the mixture — creamy, gooey, delicious.

• Over rice or lettuce wraps: Skip the bun — serve the mixture over rice or wrapped in lettuce for a lower-carb option. Creatives Cookery+1

• Make ahead & freeze: The filling reheats well. Make double the batch, store half in the fridge for later, or freeze (cool completely before freezing).

• Veggie boost: Add diced carrots, corn, or even black beans to stretch the filling and make it more substantial.

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❤️ Why This Recipe Works

• Ground chicken keeps the sandwich lighter than beef but still protein‑rich.

• The classic Cajun flavor combo — onion, bell pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning — delivers depth and heat without needing complicated steps.

• Cream + tomato keeps the filling saucy and comforting, while toasted buns hold up under the saucy load.

• It’s fast — from skillet to sandwich in about 30 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights.