If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bursting with bold flavor and creamy decadence, then this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines spicy, savory Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, luscious cheese sauce that just melts perfectly into every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who loves a little kick with their comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential to hitting that spot-on flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a unique role—from the tender chicken providing a lean protein base, to the aromatic onions and garlic building depth, the Cajun seasoning adding a spicy punch, and finally the creamy cheese sauce bringing everything together with indulgent richness.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and vegetables without overpowering the spices.
- Ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that soaks up the seasonings beautifully.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to balance the savory elements.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant, irresistible aroma that’s essential in Cajun cuisine.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart of the spice profile, providing that signature Cajun warmth and complexity.
- Tomato paste: Adds umami depth and a glossy, rich color to the filling.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and helps create the perfect sloppy joe consistency.
- Tomato sauce: Introduces a smooth tanginess that complements the spicy chicken.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the savory notes with a subtle hint of smokiness.
- Brown sugar: (optional) balances heat with a touch of sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
- Unsalted butter: Key for the creamy cheese sauce’s silky texture.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, turning it into a luscious, velvety topping.
- Whole milk: Creates that smooth base necessary for melting the cheese into a decadent sauce.
- Sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded: Melts beautifully for a rich, creamy finish.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a vibrant touch of color to the cheese sauce.
- Brioche hamburger buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and buttery—ideal for holding all that delicious filling.
- Softened butter: For toasting the buns to golden perfection, adding crunch and flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A last-minute seasoning to brighten the assembled sandwiches.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cajun Chicken Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the ground chicken until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart for a crumbly texture. Adding the finely chopped onion next introduces a sweetness and softness that balances the spices. Once the onion is translucent, stir in the garlic and that aromatic Cajun seasoning—let it cook just long enough to wake up those flavors. The tomato paste deepens the color and adds umami, making the meat mixture look beautifully glossy and inviting. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then let everything simmer gently until thickened and perfectly spoonable. Taste and season with salt, and if you like it a little touch sweeter to offset the spice, sprinkle in some brown sugar. If the mixture becomes too thick, a splash of broth keeps it just right.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a pale roux—that nutty base is key for a smooth cheese sauce. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously; this gentle cooking thickens the sauce so it can cling to the chicken filling beautifully. Lower the heat and stir in the freshly shredded cheddar or American cheese along with a pinch of paprika for a subtle smoky note and inviting color. Keep the sauce warm but don’t let it boil after the cheese goes in, ensuring it stays silky and rich without separating. Season lightly with salt to enhance the creamy finish.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Butter the insides of brioche buns and toast them in a pan or under the broiler just until golden and slightly crispy—this little crunch adds texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy. Spoon a generous serving of the spicy Cajun chicken filling onto each bottom bun, then ladle the warm, creamy cheese sauce so it cascades over the sides like a delicious waterfall. A quick grind of fresh black pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly. Cap your sandwich with the top bun, and serve immediately. Pro tip: build your sandwiches on a parchment-lined tray to catch drips of that glorious cheese sauce so you can dunk fries into every last drop.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions makes a fresh, colorful contrast to the rich sauce and spicy filling. Pickled jalapeños or a few crisp pickle slices can add an exciting tang that cuts through the creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a few crushed red pepper flakes on top will kick the heat up another notch.
Side Dishes
Classic fries or sweet potato fries are your best friends here, especially because the cheese sauce makes a fantastic dip. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the sandwiches. Roasted vegetables or coleslaw with a touch of acidity also add nice texture contrasts and freshness to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, consider making mini sliders using small brioche buns and serving them on a platter with toothpicks. For a fun low-carb option, scoop the Cajun chicken mixture over lettuce wraps instead of buns. Or for a hearty twist, pile the mixture and cheese sauce over baked potatoes or even pasta for a comforting Cajun-inspired casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe, keep any leftover filling and cheese sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This lets the flavors deepen and makes for an easy, quick meal later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken filling separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the cheese sauce if you want, but be aware it may separate slightly upon thawing. It still tastes great but a quick whisk or gentle reheating can help smooth it out again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Gently reheat the cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat whisking frequently until smooth—avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Reassemble sandwiches with freshly toasted buns for a near-fresh experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even lean ground beef can substitute well. Adjust cooking times slightly and keep the Cajun seasoning the same to maintain the dish’s signature flavor.
Is the cheese sauce suitable for making ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh for that silky texture, but you can prepare it earlier and gently reheat it before serving. Just whisk it well over low heat to bring back the creaminess.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate spicy kick, but you can always dial it down by reducing the amount or using a milder blend. Conversely, adding extra Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can increase heat if you prefer.
What kind of buns work best for this recipe?
Brioche buns are ideal because their slight sweetness and soft texture complement the spicy filling and creamy cheese sauce perfectly. However, any good-quality hamburger bun will work.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch in place of all-purpose flour for the cheese sauce, and make sure your Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce don’t contain gluten. Also, opt for gluten-free buns to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe is a showstopper that brings together the vibrant flavors of Cajun seasoning and the indulgence of a creamy cheese topping. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to wow your friends and family any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, just like me.
Print
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe combines spicy, savory ground chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for an irresistible twist on a classic comfort food. Served on toasted brioche buns, these sandwiches deliver hearty, flavorful, and satisfying bites perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Cajun Chicken Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (canned)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- salt to taste
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- pinch of salt
Assembly
- 4–6 brioche hamburger buns (split, toasted)
- softened butter (for toasting, as needed)
- freshly ground black pepper (to finish)
Instructions
- Make the Cajun Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, crumbling it with a spatula, until it is no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste until the meat mixture becomes glossy and takes on a deep brick-red color. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; stir to combine. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 8–10 minutes until thick and spoonable. Season with salt to taste. Optionally, add brown sugar to balance the heat. If the mixture becomes too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons of broth to loosen.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a pale roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, cooking for 4–5 minutes while whisking continuously until the sauce thickly coats the back of a spoon. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese and paprika until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with a pinch of salt. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast them in a hot skillet or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto each bun bottom. Ladle the warm creamy cheese sauce over the chicken filling, allowing it to cascade over the sides. Finish with freshly ground black pepper, cap with the top buns, and serve immediately. Tip: Assemble over a parchment-lined tray to catch any extra cheese sauce drips, perfect for dipping fries.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning slightly.
- Use low-sodium broth and tomato sauce to control salt levels.
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- The creamy cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Butter the buns just before toasting for best texture and flavor.
