Go Back
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes offer a bold, smoky twist on the classic weeknight favorite by swapping beef for juicy ground chicken and adding a velvety cheese sauce. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of Southern spices and creamy comfort that the whole family will crave.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Southern
Calories: 740

Ingredients
  

Cajun Chicken Filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 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 ounces sharp cheddar or American cheese freshly shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of salt
Assembly
  • 4 to 6 brioche hamburger buns
  • Softened butter for toasting
  • Freshly ground black pepper to finish

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, crumbling it with a spoon until it is no longer pink (5 to 7 minutes). Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground chicken, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  2. Mix in the tomato paste until the meat is well-coated. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes until thick. Taste and adjust salt or add brown sugar if desired. Keep warm.
    1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, Salt to taste
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole milk
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the freshly shredded cheese and paprika until melted and silky. Season with a pinch of salt. Do not let the sauce boil.
    8 ounces sharp cheddar or American cheese, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, Pinch of salt
  5. Spread softened butter on the brioche buns and toast in a hot pan or broiler. Spoon the chicken filling onto the buns, ladle the warm cheese sauce over the top, and finish with black pepper.
    4 to 6 brioche hamburger buns, Softened butter for toasting, Freshly ground black pepper to finish

Notes

For the smoothest texture, always shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents. Do not skip toasting the brioche buns, as this creates a crucial barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy under the sauce.
QR Code linking back to recipe