Description

This recipe for Irresistible Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes combines tender ground chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce and served on buttery toasted brioche buns. A flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

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

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/4 tsp paprika

For Serving

Softened butter, as needed (for toasting)
4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
Freshly ground black pepper, to finish

Instructions

Heat the oil: Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it warm.
Cook the chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet and crumble it with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and slightly golden.
Sauté onion: Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to release flavors.
Add tomato paste and liquids: Mix in tomato paste until the chicken is coated, then pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and optional brown sugar to balance heat.
Make the roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a pale roux.
Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finish cheese sauce: Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and paprika until melted. Do not boil.
Toast buns: Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast them in a pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom buns, then ladle the warm creamy cheese sauce over the top.
Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the cheese, cap with the top buns, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Using brioche buns provides a rich, buttery base that complements the spicy chicken and creamy cheese sauce.
Ensure the cheese sauce does not boil to prevent it from breaking or curdling.
The brown sugar is optional but helps balance the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, spicy chicken sandwich, creamy cheese sauce, ground chicken recipe, Cajun seasoning