Picture the warm, savory aroma of Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes wafting through your kitchen, a delightful blend of spices and tender chicken nestled between soft buns.
This comforting dish is incredibly easy to make, offering a cozy, indulgent meal perfect for any night of the week.
As the ground chicken browns and the gumbo simmers, these simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
Let’s bring this delicious creation to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) chicken gumbo soup
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the recipe and instructions carefully to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Chop the onion and dice the green bell pepper.
- Measure out the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cooking (20 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (1 minute).
- Sauté chopped onion and diced green bell pepper until softened (5 minutes).
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, cook until browned, and break it up with a wooden spoon (5 minutes).
- Stir in chicken gumbo soup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper (1 minute).
- Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally (8 minutes).
- Resting & Serving Preparation (5 minutes)
- Optionally toast the hamburger buns while the mixture is simmering.
- Spoon the chicken gumbo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Optionally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Cover with the top half of the buns and let the sandwiches rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the chicken gumbo soup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired.
Spoon the chicken gumbo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
Cover with the top half of the buns and let the sandwiches rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Coleslaw: A invigorating and crisp side that complements the savory flavors of the sloppy joes.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Offers a sweet and salty contrast while adding a bit of crunch to the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture, making it a classic American pairing.
- Green Salad: A light and healthy choice to balance the richness of the sloppy joes.
- Pickles: Provide a tangy and crunchy contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Storage
To store Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes, place leftover mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Toast buns fresh for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes, let the mixture cool completely.
Then transfer it to airtight containers.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes, use a skillet over medium heat.
Add a splash of water for moisture.
Alternatively, microwave, covered, until heated through.
Stir halfway for even warming.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes are a quick and delicious meal that combines the flavors of gumbo with the convenience of a sloppy joe.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
The combination of ground chicken, chicken gumbo soup, and spices creates a savory filling that pairs perfectly with soft hamburger buns.
By adding a sprinkle of cheddar cheese or a splash of hot sauce, you can customize the dish to your liking.
For an extra touch, consider serving these sloppy joes with a side of coleslaw or fries.
With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is a great option for a family meal or casual gathering.
Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of this American classic with a twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Chicken?
You can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground chicken. It’s a simple swap that maintains flavor and texture. Just guarantee you cook it thoroughly. Feel free to experiment and adjust seasoning to your taste preference. Enjoy!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable gumbo soup and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty, flavorful twist on the original recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Gumbo Soup?
You can swap chicken gumbo soup with vegetable broth and a mix of sautéed mushrooms, celery, and okra. This combo adds hearty texture and rich flavor, making your dish satisfying while keeping it flavorful and meat-free.
How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?
You can spice up the dish by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Try incorporating cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with spicy sausage or add some chipotle for a smoky kick!
Are There Gluten-Free Bun Options Available?
You can find gluten-free buns at most grocery stores, usually in the bread aisle or frozen section. Brands like Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse offer tasty options. Don’t forget to toast them slightly for that perfect texture!

Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can chicken gumbo soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the chicken gumbo soup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired.
- Spoon the chicken gumbo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Cover with the top half of the buns and let the sandwiches rest for 5 minutes before serving.