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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

If you love bold Southern-inspired flavors but still crave something easy, cozy, and weeknight-friendly, Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are about to become your new go-to dinner. This recipe takes the nostalgic comfort of classic sloppy joes and elevates it with smoky Cajun spices, juicy ground chicken, and a luxuriously smooth cheddar cheese sauce poured over toasted brioche buns.

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—yet they come together in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual gathering, or simply want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe checks every box.

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In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

  • Why Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce work so well

  • Ingredient breakdown and flavor secrets

  • Step-by-step cooking instructions

  • Pro tips for perfect texture and flavor

  • Variations and substitutions

  • Storage and meal prep advice

  • Nutritional insights

  • Serving ideas and pairings

  • Frequently asked questions

  • And finally, thoughtful final tips for mastering this dish

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

There’s something deeply comforting about a sloppy joe. But when you swap traditional beef for lean ground chicken and infuse it with bold Cajun spices, you transform it into something extraordinary.

Here’s why Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce stand out:

1. Bold Cajun Flavor

Cajun seasoning delivers smoky paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and herbs—all in one powerful blend. The spice cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce, creating perfect balance.

2. Creamy Contrast

The silky cheddar sauce softens the heat and adds indulgence. It transforms these from simple sandwiches into a crave-worthy comfort meal.

3. Quick and Practical

From stovetop to table in 35 minutes, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are perfect for busy weeknights.

4. Family-Friendly

You can easily adjust the spice level, making it mild enough for kids or fiery for spice lovers.

5. Meal Prep Friendly

Both the filling and cheese sauce store well, making leftovers just as delicious.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: ~740 per serving

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Filling

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

  • 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

  • Softened butter for toasting

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink.

Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Mix in tomato paste and stir until the meat becomes glossy and deep red.

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thick and spoonable.

Season with salt and add brown sugar if you want subtle sweetness to balance the spice.

Tip: If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.

Slowly whisk in milk and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheese and paprika.

Stir until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.

Important: Do not boil after adding cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to separate.

3. Assemble the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Butter the cut sides of brioche buns.

Toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown.

Spoon generous portions of Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom buns.

Drizzle with warm cheese sauce.

Finish with freshly ground black pepper.

Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Flavor Secrets Behind Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Understanding why this recipe works helps you master it.

The Cajun Balance

Cajun seasoning combines heat, smokiness, and savory depth. The tomato paste intensifies umami while Worcestershire sauce adds tang.

The Cheese Sauce Science

The roux thickens the milk gently, creating a stable base. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoothly because it lacks anti-caking agents.

The Bun Choice

Brioche buns add slight sweetness, complementing the spice. Toasting prevents sogginess.

Customization Ideas

One reason Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are so popular is their versatility.

Make It Spicier

Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

Add Vegetables

Stir in diced bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms.

Make It Smokier

Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Make It Lighter

Use reduced-fat milk and lean chicken.

Go Low-Carb

Serve over lettuce wraps or roasted sweet potatoes.

Try Different Cheeses

Pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for depth, or Monterey Jack for creaminess.

Perfect Side Dishes

Pair your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce with:

  • Sweet potato fries

  • Coleslaw

  • Roasted corn

  • Cajun potato wedges

  • Side salad with ranch

  • Pickles or fried pickles

The key is balancing richness with freshness or crunch.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigeration

Store filling and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm chicken filling in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Reheat cheese sauce gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Freezing

The chicken filling freezes well for up to 2 months.
Cheese sauce is best made fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce ahead?

Yes. Make both components ahead and assemble just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely. It works nearly identically.

Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?

The heat was likely too high. Keep it low after adding cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. This recipe scales easily for parties.

Entertaining with Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

These sandwiches are ideal for:

  • Game day

  • Casual dinner parties

  • Family gatherings

  • Potlucks

  • Birthday parties

Set up a “sloppy joe bar” with toppings like jalapeños, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and hot sauce.

Print

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Print Recipe

If you love bold flavors but still want an easy, comforting meal, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are the perfect choice. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky-spicy Cajun sauce, then piled high on toasted brioche buns and finished with a rich, silky cheddar cheese sauce. They come together in about 35 minutes and deliver big flavor with minimal effort—ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Author: salah

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

  • Softened butter, for toasting

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (5–7 minutes).

  3. Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes, until softened.

  4. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. Mix in tomato paste until the meat looks glossy and deep red.

  6. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

  7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until thick and spoonable.

  8. Season with salt and add brown sugar if you want a hint of sweetness.

Tip: If the mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen it.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cook 4–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and paprika.

  5. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

Important: Do not boil once the cheese is added—this keeps the sauce silky.

3. Assemble

  1. Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast until golden.

  2. Spoon Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom buns.

  3. Drizzle generously with warm cheese sauce.

  4. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.

  5. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the Heat: Use 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for mild flavor, or add extra for more spice.

  • Cheese Matters: Always shred your own cheese for smoother sauce.

  • Make It Lighter: Use reduced-fat milk and lean ground chicken.

  • Extra Flavor: Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños to the chicken mixture.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store filling and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 740 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 980 mg

To reduce calories, use smaller buns and lighter cheese.

Making Your Own Cajun Seasoning

If you prefer homemade:

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp cayenne

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp salt

Mix and store in an airtight container.

The Comfort Factor

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce combine spice, richness, and nostalgia. They’re messy in the best way possible—drippy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

The creamy cheese sauce softens the Cajun spice, making every bite layered and balanced.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are more than just a sandwich—they’re a flavor experience. Smoky, spicy ground chicken simmered in a rich sauce, piled onto buttery toasted brioche, and topped with velvety cheddar creates a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In just 35 minutes, you can serve something bold, memorable, and family-approved.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce deliver big flavor with minimal effort.