If you are craving something bold, comforting, and utterly delicious, look no further than this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe. It’s a lively twist on a classic sloppy joe that brings vibrant Cajun spices, tender ground chicken, and a luscious cheese sauce all piled inside a buttery brioche bun. Each bite bursts with smoky, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the spicy Cajun seasoning that infuses the chicken with warmth to the creamy cheese sauce that smooths every bite, these ingredients work in harmony to make a truly memorable meal.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents the chicken from sticking while cooking.
- Ground chicken: A lean protein base that soaks up all the Cajun spices wonderfully.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked down.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a pungent, aromatic depth to the filling.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart of this dish; it delivers that classic Cajun heat and complexity.
- Tomato paste: Enhances umami and gives the filling a rich, glossy finish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor without overpowering.
- Tomato sauce: Provides tang and a lush texture to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a subtle tang and depth that’s hard to replicate.
- Brown sugar (optional): Rounds out the heat with a hint of sweetness, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the base for the creamy cheese sauce and toasts the buns.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to a perfect silky consistency.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- Sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded: Melts into the sauce for a rich, gooey experience.
- Paprika: Adds a warm color and subtle smoky flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Brioche hamburger buns: Buttery and soft, these buns hold everything together deliciously when toasted.
- Softened butter: Used for toasting the buns to a golden, flavorful crust.
- Freshly ground black pepper: The finishing touch that adds a little peppery pop when serving.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cajun Chicken Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and the magical Cajun seasoning; cook for a minute until the spices release their intoxicating aroma. Now, mix in the tomato paste until the chicken turns glossy and deep reddish-brown. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Let it simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until thick enough to spoon over a bun. Taste and season with salt; if you like a hint of sweetness to balance the spice, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar. If it becomes too thick, a splash or two of broth will loosen it just right.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
While the filling finishes simmering, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux—this will prevent lumps and give your sauce body. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, and continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn the heat down to low and stir in the freshly shredded cheese along with paprika until everything is melted into a silky, luscious sauce. Season lightly with a pinch of salt. Be sure not to let it boil after adding cheese to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Butter the insides of each brioche bun generously. Toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. On each bottom half, spoon a hearty scoop of that spicy Cajun chicken filling. Then, ladle the warm creamy cheese sauce generously on top, letting it cascade down the sides in all its cheesy glory. Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper and cap with the top bun. For an extra slick tip, assemble your sandwiches over a parchment-lined tray so you can catch every precious drop of sauce—perfect for dipping fries or just savoring every bite.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions lends a fresh, bright contrast to these richly flavored sandwiches. If you love a little extra kick, add pickled jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a tangy punch. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also amplify the smoky notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with classic crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combination. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or coleslaw cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob also make fantastic partners to this hearty sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving these sloppy joes open-faced on sturdy plates, showcasing the gooey cheese and spicy chicken filling. For a party, mini slider versions are crowd-pleasers, offering bite-sized indulgence. You can also pile extras of cheese sauce on the side as a dip or drizzle for a wow factor everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken filling and cheese sauce separate from the buns to keep everything fresh and prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing
The chicken filling itself freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. The cheese sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen if necessary; thaw gently and whisk well before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry. Warm the cheese sauce gently over low heat, stirring constantly to maintain its silky texture. Toast fresh buns before assembling your sandwiches again for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will still soak up the Cajun spices beautifully. Just adjust cooking time until fully cooked through, and you’re good to go.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can swap ground chicken for plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian twist. The seasoning and cheese sauce still bring all the flavor and creaminess you love.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate heat that’s warm and inviting, not overwhelming. Feel free to add more or less depending on your spice preference or opt for a milder seasoning blend.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese sauce can be made a few hours ahead and kept warm or gently reheated. Just be cautious not to boil it when reheating to keep it smooth and creamy.
What type of cheese works best in the creamy cheese sauce?
Sharp cheddar or American cheese are fantastic because they melt smoothly and offer a great balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that bring warmth, spice, and indulgence all at once. It’s perfect for when you want something easy to prepare but impressive in flavor. Give it a try the next time you want to cozy up with a sandwich that’s bursting with personality and comfort. I promise, once you taste that creamy cheese sauce mingling with that perfectly spiced chicken, you’ll be hooked!
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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 sandwiches)
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are a spicy, flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ground chicken is simmered in a rich Cajun-seasoned tomato sauce, topped with a smooth, melty cheese sauce, and served on toasted brioche buns for a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe 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 and toasted
- Softened butter, for toasting buns
- Freshly ground black pepper, for finishing
Instructions
- Make the Cajun Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste until the meat is glossy and brick-red. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes spoonable. Season with salt to taste and add brown sugar if desired to balance the heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a pale roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky. Season with a pinch of salt. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom halves of the buns. Ladle the warm creamy cheese sauce over the chicken so it cascades down the sides. Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper. Cap with the top halves of the buns and serve immediately. For easier cleanup and to catch any extra cheese sauce drips, assemble the sandwiches over a parchment-lined tray – those drips make excellent dipping sauce for fries.
Notes
- Brown sugar in the filling is optional but helps balance the heat from the Cajun seasoning with a touch of sweetness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting quality and creaminess.
- To keep the buns from becoming soggy, toast them well and serve immediately.
- If the filling thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of broth to loosen the consistency.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
