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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce: A Flavor Revolution for Weeknight Dinner

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce: A Flavor Revolution for Weeknight Dinner
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These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on a classic—lighter than the traditional beef version but packed with bold, smoky flavor. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in Cajun spices and topped with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce that melts right into the bun. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that feels extra special without extra work.

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 canned 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

For Serving

  • 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted

  • Softened butter (for toasting)

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

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

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

  3. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  4. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute.

  5. Mix in the tomato paste until everything is coated.

  6. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

  7. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, uncovered, until thickened.

  8. Taste and season with salt; add the brown sugar if you’d like to balance the heat.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

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

  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.

  4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese and paprika until melted.

  6. Season with a pinch of salt. (Avoid boiling once the cheese is added.)

3. Assemble

  1. Butter and toast the brioche buns until golden.

  2. Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bottom bun.

  3. Pour warm cheese sauce over the top.

  4. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and add the top bun.

  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Go milder: Use just 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.

  • Smoothest sauce: Freshly shredded cheese melts better—pre-shredded cheese can turn grainy.

  • Too thick? Loosen the meat mixture with a splash of broth.

  • Serving ideas: Extra cheese sauce is amazing over fries or roasted potatoes.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-a-flavor-revolution-for-weeknight-dinner/