Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This dish combines spicy seasoned chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce, all served on buttery toasted brioche buns. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that feels special without extra fuss.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
• 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 (for cheese sauce)
• 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
• Softened butter for toasting
• Freshly ground black pepper to finish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Mix in tomato paste until the chicken appears glossy and brick-red in color.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.
6. Step 6: 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 brown sugar if you prefer a touch of sweet heat. If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tbsp broth to loosen.
7. Step 7: To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a pale roux.
8. Step 8: Gradually whisk in milk and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickly coats the back of a spoon.
9. Step 9: Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheese and paprika until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
10. Step 10: 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.
11. Step 11: Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken filling onto each bottom bun, then ladle the warm cheese sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the sauce, cap with the top bun, and serve immediately. For easier cleanup, assemble over a parchment-lined tray to catch any drips.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade Cajun seasoning to control the heat and flavor intensity.
• Add finely diced bell peppers or celery to the filling for extra crunch and color.
• If you prefer, swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
• Try mixing in a touch of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Serve with crispy fries or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun chicken filling and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to maintain creaminess. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and cheese sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat before assembling the sandwiches for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for brioche buns?

Any soft, sturdy sandwich bun or roll works well. Potato rolls or classic hamburger buns are good alternatives. Toasting helps prevent sogginess regardless of the bun choice.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe combines tender, spiced ground chicken with a smoky, creamy cheese sauce for a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe. The filling is richly flavored with Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, simmered to a thick, hearty consistency. The creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and a touch of paprika adds indulgent texture and depth. Served on toasted brioche buns, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy comfort food flavors ideal for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Bella
• 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 1x2x3x

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
• Salt, to taste

Assembly

• 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
• Softened butter, for toasting
• Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Instructions

1. 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 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, stirring until the meat takes on a glossy, brick-red appearance. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir to combine. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until it thickens to a spoonable consistency. Season with salt to taste and add brown sugar if desired for a touch of sweetness. If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen it.
2. 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. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to whisk and cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon. Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until the cheese has just melted to a silky smooth sauce. Season with a pinch of salt. Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the cheese to prevent separation.
3. Assemble: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Ladle the warm creamy cheese sauce over the chicken so it cascades over the sides. Finish by grinding fresh black pepper over the top. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately. For easier cleanup and to catch drips of sauce, assemble over a parchment-lined tray. Extra cheese sauce pairs excellently with fries.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spiciness.
• The brown sugar is optional but balances and rounds the heat and acidity.
• If slurry thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen the filling.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
• Butter the buns before toasting for extra flavor and a crisp texture.
• Hot sauce or pickles can be served on the side for extra tang.

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Sloppy Joes, creamy cheese sauce, ground chicken recipe, spicy chicken sandwich, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner