Description
Some dinners aren’t meant to be neat. They’re meant to be devoured, sauce dripping down your fingers, with everyone gathered around the table laughing and reaching for napkins. Cajun chicken sloppy joes with creamy cheese sauce are exactly that kind of meal.
This dish was born during a weeknight dinner experiment when I wanted something fast and satisfying—but with a kick. I swapped out the usual ground beef for ground chicken, tossed in my favorite Cajun spices, and ended up with a skillet full of bold, zesty flavor. But it didn’t feel complete until I poured a silky, melty cheese sauce over the top. That’s when it became next-level.
These sloppy joes are perfect for families who love a little heat, for game day parties, or even just a cozy night in when you want something a little different. It’s a mash-up of comfort food and Southern flavor—with all the saucy, cheesy goodness you could ask for.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns, toasted
- For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. Start the Cajun chicken filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds. - 2. Cook the ground chicken:
Add ground chicken to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed. - 3. Add flavor and simmer:
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and saucy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - 4. Make the cheese sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, then stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. - 5. Assemble the sloppy joes:
Spoon a generous portion of the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Drizzle (or smother) with the creamy cheese sauce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve hot.
Notes
These are best eaten fresh while the cheese is still gooey and warm. But if you want to prep ahead, keep the meat and cheese sauce separate until ready to reheat and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 510