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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 with Creamy Cheese Sauce are lighter than classic sloppy joes but just as satisfying—maybe even more so. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a smoky, spicy Cajun-seasoned tomato sauce, then piled high on a toasted brioche bun and finished with a rich, silky cheddar cheese sauce. The result? A bold, messy, flavor-packed sandwich that’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Assembly

  • 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted

  • Softened butter, for toasting

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Instructions

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 up, for 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 until fragrant.

  5. Mix in tomato paste until the chicken is well coated and deep brick-red.

  6. Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

  7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until thick and spoonable.

  8. Season with salt and add brown sugar if using. (If mixture becomes too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons broth.)

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

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

  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a light roux.

  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheese and paprika until smooth and melted.

  5. Season with a pinch of salt. Do not let the sauce boil.

Assemble

  1. Butter cut sides of brioche buns and toast until golden.

  2. Spoon Cajun chicken onto bottom buns.

  3. Drizzle generously with warm cheese sauce.

  4. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, top with remaining buns, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Milder Version: Start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste.

  • Extra Heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

  • Make It Cheesy: Mix a little cheese sauce directly into the chicken for extra creaminess.

  • Great Sides: Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp coleslaw.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-with-creamy-cheese-sauce-2/