Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce. These sandwiches bring together tender chicken, zesty spices, and a luscious cheese drizzle, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce, gather the following ingredients:

• 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
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Pinch of salt
• 4–6 brioche hamburger buns
• Softened butter for toasting
• Freshly ground black pepper

Timing

This recipe for Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. The total time required is approximately 30 to 35 minutes, which includes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 to 25 minutes for cooking. It yields 4 satisfying sandwiches—perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce:

Step 1: Make the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 pound of ground chicken until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook briefly until fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste, followed by the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer uncovered until thickened, then season with salt and a touch of brown sugar if desired.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat and mix in 8 ounces of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce—be careful not to let it boil, as this can create a grainy texture. Set aside while you prepare the sandwiches.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now it’s time to bring your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes together! Start by buttering and toasting the cut sides of 4 to 6 brioche hamburger buns to achieve a golden, crunchy texture. Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken filling onto each bottom bun and then drizzle the creamy cheese sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately for a delightful dining experience!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up this dish, consider using ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. You can also swap half of the whole milk for 2% milk and reduce the cheddar cheese to lower the fat content. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based butter and cheese alternatives, ensuring you still enjoy the creamy cheese sauce flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes pair beautifully with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad. You can elevate the meal by adding coleslaw for some crunch or serving it alongside pickles for a tangy bite. These sandwiches are perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly, avoid cooking the chicken on too high a heat; this can lead to uneven cooking. When making the cheese sauce, remember not to let it boil after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to become grainy. Lastly, always toast the buns to prevent them from getting soggy once filled with the delicious filling and sauce.

Storing Tips

If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate the Cajun chicken filling and the cheese sauce separately for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, the filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the filling on the stove and warm the cheese sauce gently over low heat.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are an irresistible blend of bold flavors and comforting textures. You’ll love how quickly they come together and how satisfying they are. Make this dish for your next dinner, and cozy up with friends and family over these delightful sandwiches! For more quick and comforting meal ideas, explore our collection of dinner recipes, and don’t forget to check out the Best Of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes on Pinterest for extra inspiration.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a flavorful twist on a classic, topped with a creamy cheese sauce for an extra indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4 sandwiches

Equipment

• large skillet
• small saucepan
• whisk
• Spatula
• baking sheet or broiler

Ingredients

  

• 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
• to taste salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• pinch salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground chicken until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
• Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
• Incorporate tomato paste and then add broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire; simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thick.
• Season with salt and add brown sugar if desired.
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually add milk, whisking until it coats the back of a spoon, about 4–5 minutes.
• Lower heat and mix in cheese and paprika until melted, avoiding boiling.
• Butter and toast the cut sides of the brioche buns.
• Spoon Cajun chicken onto each bottom bun, drizzle with cheese sauce, and top with black pepper and the other half of the bun.

Notes

If the filling thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen. For a smooth cheese sauce, avoid boiling after adding cheese. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess.