Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce (Print Version)
Spicy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This easy, flavorful sandwich is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a kick.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Cajun
# Ingredients:
→ The Cajun Chicken Heart
01 -
1 lb lean ground chicken
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
05 -
1 stalk celery, finely diced
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
08 -
1 cup chicken broth
09 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
11 -
1 tbsp light brown sugar, lightly packed
12 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Golden Cheese Drizzle
14 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
15 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
16 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
17 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
18 -
Pinch of cayenne pepper
→ The Essential Foundation
19 -
4 brioche hamburger buns
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, 1/2 green bell pepper, and 1 stalk celery; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute.
02 -
Stir in 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 tbsp light brown sugar with the chicken and vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavors and toast the spices.
03 -
Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 -
While the sloppy joe simmers, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux. Do not let it brown.
05 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper until melted and creamy. This rich sauce is key for the best Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce.
06 -
Toast 4 brioche hamburger buns. Spoon a generous amount of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle generously with the creamy cheese sauce. Top with the other bun half and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce!
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
02 -
Store leftover chicken mixture and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Consider serving these sloppy joes with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw to balance the richness.
04 -
If brioche buns aren't available, classic hamburger buns or even toasted Texas toast can make a great foundation for these flavorful sloppy joes.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Medium saucepan
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 916 kcal
Total Fat: 44 g
Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
Protein: 45 g