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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce: A Bold Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce: A Bold Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
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These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are lighter than the classic beef version but bring big, bold flavor. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky, spicy Cajun sauce, then topped with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and piled onto toasted brioche buns. Ready in about 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

Cajun Chicken Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

  • Salt, to taste

Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt, to taste

Assembly

  • 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split

  • 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 ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

    Stir in tomato paste until the chicken is evenly coated. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until thick and spoonable. Season with salt and add brown sugar if desired.

  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a pale roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.

    Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and paprika until melted and smooth. Season lightly with salt. Do not let the sauce boil.

  3. Assemble the Sandwiches
    Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden. Spoon Cajun chicken onto the bottom buns, then generously drizzle with warm cheese sauce. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and top buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For milder heat, start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste.

  • Always shred cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese can turn grainy.

  • If the chicken mixture thickens too much, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen it.

  • Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-a-bold-twist-on-a-classic-comfort-food/