Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

If you love bold Southern flavors, comforting sandwiches, and easy weeknight dinners, Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. This elevated twist on classic sloppy joes swaps out ground beef for lean ground chicken, infuses everything with smoky Cajun spices, and finishes it off with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that takes the entire sandwich to the next level.

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes strike the perfect balance between indulgent and practical. They’re hearty without being heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and creamy without feeling greasy. Best of all, they come together in about 35 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even game-day spreads when you want something different from the usual burgers and wings.

The combination of saucy Cajun-spiced chicken and warm, creamy cheese sauce piled onto buttery toasted brioche buns creates an irresistible sandwich that feels both familiar and exciting. Every bite delivers smoky heat, savory depth, and just enough richness to keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

There are countless reasons this recipe works so well, whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or spice lovers.

First, ground chicken keeps these sloppy joes lighter than the traditional beef version while still soaking up every bit of flavor from the Cajun seasoning and tomato-based sauce. Chicken acts like a flavor sponge, making each bite juicy and well-seasoned.

Second, the Cajun seasoning brings layers of smoky paprika, garlic, onion, and gentle heat. You can easily control the spice level, making this recipe adaptable for families or anyone sensitive to heat.

Third, the creamy cheese sauce is what truly sets these sloppy joes apart. Instead of relying on sliced cheese or shredded cheese melted directly onto the sandwich, the smooth cheese sauce coats the chicken, seeps into the bun, and adds a luxurious, comforting finish.

Finally, this recipe is versatile. Serve it as a sandwich, spoon it over rice, stuff it into baked potatoes, or even use it as a filling for sliders or wraps.

Ingredients + Tips

Cajun Chicken Filling

• Olive oil
  Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking. You can also use avocado oil.

• Ground chicken
  Lean but flavorful. If using extra-lean chicken, add a splash more broth for moisture.

• Onion & garlic
  These build the flavor base. Finely chopping the onion helps it melt into the sauce.

• Cajun seasoning
  Use store-bought or homemade. Cajun blends vary widely in salt and heat, so taste as you go.

• Tomato paste
  Adds richness and depth, intensifying the savory flavor of the sauce.

• Chicken broth & tomato sauce
  These create the saucy consistency without making the filling watery.

• Worcestershire sauce
  Adds umami and a subtle tang that balances the spice.

• Brown sugar (optional)
  Just a touch rounds out acidity and heat.

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Butter & flour
  Form a classic roux that thickens the sauce smoothly.

• Whole milk
  Creates a rich, creamy base. Lower-fat milk works but results in a thinner sauce.

• Cheese
  Sharp cheddar adds flavor, American adds creaminess. A blend works beautifully.

• Paprika & salt
  Enhance color and flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Assembly

• Brioche buns
  Soft, buttery, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.

• Butter for toasting
  Adds crunch and prevents sogginess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking briefly until fragrant.

Mix in the tomato paste and cook until the chicken is evenly coated and the paste deepens in color. This step boosts flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until thick and saucy. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce heat and add shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and glossy. Season lightly and remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Butter and toast the brioche buns until golden. Spoon the Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom buns, drizzle generously with cheese sauce, and top with freshly ground black pepper. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken mixture

• Smoky BBQ Cajun: Replace half the tomato sauce with BBQ sauce

• Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce: Swap cheddar for pepper jack

• Low-Carb: Serve over lettuce wraps or roasted vegetables

• Slider Style: Use mini buns for parties or game day

Storage & Reheating

Store the chicken filling and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheat chicken gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth. Reheat cheese sauce slowly, stirring often, to maintain smoothness.

Serving Suggestions

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce pair beautifully with:

• Crispy fries or sweet potato fries

• Coleslaw or cucumber salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Corn on the cob

• Simple green salad

They also work surprisingly well as a rice bowl topping or spooned over baked potatoes.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Print Recipe

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are lighter than the classic beef version but still packed with bold, smoky flavor. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a spicy Cajun tomato sauce, then finished with a rich and creamy cheese sauce on toasted brioche buns. It’s a comforting, satisfying dinner that comes together in about 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cajun Chicken Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup tomato sauce (canned)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

• Salt, to taste

Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• Pinch of salt

For Assembly

• 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split

• Softened butter, for toasting

• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Chicken Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink (5–7 minutes).
Stir in the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Mix in the tomato paste and stir until the chicken is evenly coated and deep red in color. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until thick and saucy. Season with salt and add brown sugar if desired.

---

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheese and paprika until melted and smooth. Season lightly with salt. Remove from heat.

---

3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast until golden. Spoon the Cajun chicken onto the bottom buns, drizzle generously with warm cheese sauce, sprinkle with black pepper, and top with the remaining bun halves. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Control the heat: Start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning if you prefer milder spice, then adjust to taste.

• Don’t boil the cheese sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate—keep it low and gentle.

• Freshly shredded cheese matters: Pre-shredded cheese can make sauces grainy due to added starches.

• Too thick? Add a splash of broth to loosen the chicken filling.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 740 kcal

• Protein: 38 g

• Fat: 42 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 8 g

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring or heavy to be deeply satisfying. This recipe takes everything people love about classic sloppy joes—saucy filling, messy goodness, and hearty comfort—and upgrades it with bold Cajun flavor and a luxurious cheese sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.

What makes this dish truly special is its flexibility. You can adjust the spice, change the cheese, or serve it in completely different ways without losing what makes it great. It works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for casual entertaining, and it’s guaranteed to stand out among typical sandwich recipes.