Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Toast the hamburger buns lightly in the skillet or oven.
7. Spoon the spicy Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.