Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes combine a spicy, flavorful ground chicken filling with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all served on toasted brioche buns. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky heat that’s perfectly balanced by the luscious cheese topping, making for a comforting and delicious twist on classic sloppy joes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 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
Assembly
- 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- softened butter for toasting buns
- 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, crumbling it with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 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 becomes glossy and deep red. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and is spoonable. Season with salt to taste and add the optional brown sugar to balance the heat. If the mixture tightens too much, add 1–2 tbsp chicken 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 create a pale roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to cook and whisk for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and avoid boiling after adding the cheese to keep the sauce smooth.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom halves of the buns. Ladle warm cheese sauce over the chicken so it cascades down the sides. Finish by grinding freshly ground black pepper over the sauce. Cap each open sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately. For less mess, assemble the sandwiches over a parchment-lined tray to catch any sauce drips, which are perfect for dipping fries.
Notes
- Brown sugar in the filling is optional but helps to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- If the meat mixture thickens too much during simmering, add extra chicken broth a tablespoon at a time to keep it spoonable.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and smooth sauce texture.
- Toast the buns just before assembling to keep them warm and crisp without becoming soggy.
- Building the sandwiches over a lined tray will catch any drips and make for easier cleanup.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, Sloppy Joe, creamy cheese sauce, spicy, ground chicken sandwich, quick dinner
