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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce
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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.

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.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-with-creamy-cheese-sauce/