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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce
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These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes take classic comfort food and crank up the flavor. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky-spicy Cajun sauce, then topped with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce that drips into every bite. Served on toasted brioche buns, they’re bold, messy in the best way, and come together in just about 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or anytime you want a satisfying sandwich with a Southern kick!

Ingredients

Scale

Serves: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner / Sandwich • Cuisine: American / Cajun

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

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ cup canned tomato sauce

  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional—for balanced heat)

  • 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

  • ¼ tsp paprika

  • Pinch of salt

Assembly

  • 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted

  • Butter for toasting

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

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

  2. Add ground chicken, cooking and crumbling 5–7 minutes until no longer pink.

  3. Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

  4. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute, fragrant.

  5. Stir in tomato paste until glossy and combined.

  6. Pour in broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire.

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

  8. Season with salt; add brown sugar if desired.
    If mixture becomes too thick, splash in extra broth to loosen.

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

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

  2. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute to form a pale roux.

  3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously.

  4. Cook 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  5. Reduce heat to low, add cheese + paprika.

  6. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
    Avoid boiling after the cheese is added to prevent graininess.

3️⃣ Assemble & Serve

  1. Butter and toast buns in a hot pan or under the broiler.

  2. Pile chicken mixture on the bottom bun.

  3. Spoon warm cheese sauce over the top.

  4. Finish with cracked black pepper and the top bun.

  5. Serve immediately — napkins required!

⬆️ Build over parchment so every drip becomes fry-dipping sauce!

Notes

✔ Control the heat level by adjusting your Cajun seasoning
✔ Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded
✔ Add a splash of hot sauce for extra fire
✔ Swap brioche for potato buns or French rolls if preferred

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