Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
A flavorful twist on classic sloppy joes featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned ground chicken paired with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Served on toasted brioche buns, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring a spicy, cheesy comfort food experience perfect for an easy dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Chicken Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (canned)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt
Buns and Assembly
- 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Softened butter (for toasting)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to finish)
Instructions
- Make the Cajun Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste until the meat mixture is glossy and a deep brick-red color. Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; stir well. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thick and spoonable. Season with salt to taste and add brown sugar if you prefer a touch of sweet heat. If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen it.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a pale roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly, cooking the sauce for 4–5 minutes until it thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and silky. Season with a pinch of salt. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese to prevent separation.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them either in a hot skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bottom bun. Ladle the warm cheese sauce over the chicken so it cascades down the sides. Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper over the sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately. For easier cleanup and to catch any drips, assemble over a parchment-lined tray, as extra cheese sauce is perfect for dipping fries.
Notes
- To control the spice level, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the brown sugar for a more savory heat.
- Use mild or sharp cheese in the sauce according to your preference; American cheese melts smoother while sharp cheddar adds more flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce and ensure buns are gluten-free.
- Leftover sauces can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Sloppy Joes, cheese sauce, ground chicken, spicy sandwiches, comfort food, easy dinner
