Name: Irresistible Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tbsp olive oil; 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 canned tomato sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar (optional); Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1/4 tsp paprika; Softened butter, as needed (for toasting); 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted; Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken

1 tbsp olive oil (enhances the sautéing process)

1 small onion, finely chopped (adds sweetness)

2 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic kick)

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for bold flavor)

1 tbsp tomato paste (deepens umami)

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (keeps mixture moist)

1/2 cup tomato sauce (canned) (creates a cohesive sauce)

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds savory depth)

1 tsp brown sugar (optional, rounds heat)

Salt, to taste (enhances flavor)

2 tbsp unsalted butter (for creamy cheese sauce)

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (thickens cheese sauce)

1 cup whole milk (for creamy texture)

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (for ultimate cheesiness)

1/4 tsp paprika (adds warmth and color)

Softened butter, as needed (for toasting)

Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted (soft, buttery goodness)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm before adding the ground chicken.

Step 2: Add the ground chicken and crumble it with a spatula, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and slightly golden.

Step 3: Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate tomato paste until the chicken is coated. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 6: Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and optional brown sugar to taste.

Step 7: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a pale roux.

Step 8: Gradually add whole milk, whisking continuously for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Lower the heat and add freshly shredded cheese and paprika; stir until melted. Avoid boiling the sauce.

Step 10: Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast them in a pan or under the broiler until golden brown.

Step 11: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom buns. Ladle the warm cheese sauce over the top.

Step 12: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the cheese, cap with the top bun, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when cooking the chicken.

Substitute ground turkey or pork for chicken to change the flavor profile.

Use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a spicy kick in the cheese sauce.

Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side to add freshness and crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and cheese sauce a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. Reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.

What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a similar flavor.