Go Back
–+ servings
A delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe sandwich topped with melted creamy cheese sauce on a sesame seed bun.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

This recipe takes a classic comfort food and adds bold Cajun flavor, balanced by a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It is a fun, flavorful dinner option perfect for busy families.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 2239
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Filling
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Serving
  • 4 –6 brioche hamburger buns split

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink and lightly golden.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste until the chicken is well coated. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thick. Season with salt and optional brown sugar.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese and paprika until smooth.
  5. Butter the buns and toast until golden. Spoon Cajun chicken onto the buns, drizzle with warm cheese sauce, sprinkle with black pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 2239kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 149gFat: 162gSaturated Fat: 75gCholesterol: 706mgSodium: 2827mgPotassium: 4055mgFiber: 8gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 11298IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 2033mgIron: 11mg

Notes

Simmer the chicken uncovered to control thickness and avoid a watery filling. Keep cheese sauce over low heat to prevent graininess. Ground turkey can substitute for the chicken with no change to cook time. Store leftover chicken and cheese sauce separately for the best texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!