These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes bring bold Southern flavor to a comfort food classic. Juicy ground chicken is simmered with Cajun spices, tomato, and aromatics, then topped with a rich, velvety cheddar cheese sauce and served on buttery toasted brioche buns. It’s hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to wake up your weeknight dinner routine.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cajun Kick – Cajun seasoning adds smoky heat and depth without overwhelming the dish.
• Creamy Cheese Upgrade – Homemade cheddar sauce transforms this into a gourmet sandwich.
• Lighter Than Traditional Beef – Ground chicken keeps it tender while reducing heaviness.
• Quick Weeknight Friendly – Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect Texture Contrast – Toasted brioche adds buttery crispness against the saucy filling.
• Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust spice to suit your preference.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cajun Chicken Filling

• 1 lb ground chicken – Lean yet tender base for a lighter sloppy joe.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – Provides smoky, spicy complexity.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds concentrated umami richness.
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps mixture moist and balanced.
• ½ cup tomato sauce – Builds classic sloppy joe body.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional) – Balances spice with subtle sweetness.
• Salt, to taste – Enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and preventing sticking.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings aromatic sharpness.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of the roux.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup whole milk – Creates smooth, creamy texture.
• 8 oz sharp cheddar, freshly shredded – Provides bold cheesy flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle smokiness.

For Assembly

• 4–6 brioche hamburger buns – Soft, slightly sweet structure.
• Softened butter – For toasting buns.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Finishing touch.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned.

Build the Flavor Base

Stir in chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Develop the Sauce

Mix in tomato paste until glossy and brick-red. Add broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and optional brown sugar. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thickened.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook 4–5 minutes until thickened.

Melt in the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and paprika until smooth and silky.

Toast the Buns

Butter cut sides of brioche buns and toast in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Spoon Cajun chicken mixture onto bottom buns. Generously drizzle warm cheese sauce over the top. Finish with black pepper and cap with top bun.

---

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Freshly Shred Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Simmer Uncovered – Allows moisture to reduce for thicker filling.
• Don’t Skip Toasting – Prevents buns from becoming soggy.
• Control the Heat – Reduce Cajun seasoning for milder flavor.
• Cook Roux Briefly – Avoid browning; keep it pale for smooth sauce.
• Serve Immediately – Cheese sauce thickens as it cools.

---

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Calories: Approximately 740 calories per sandwich

(Nutrition values are estimates.)

---

Perfect Pairings

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – Complement Cajun spice beautifully.
• Simple Coleslaw – Adds cooling crunch.
• Pickle Spears – Provide acidity to cut richness.
• Iced Tea or Light Lager – Refreshing balance to bold flavors.

---

Ideal Occasions

• Game Day Gatherings – Messy, satisfying crowd-pleaser.
• Casual Family Dinner – Comfort food upgrade.
• Weekend Comfort Meal – Hearty and indulgent.
• Cookout Alternative – A twist on traditional burgers.

---

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store Filling Separately – Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container.
• Reheat Gently on Stovetop – Add splash of broth if needed.
• Prepare Cheese Sauce Fresh – Best texture when newly made.
• Freeze Chicken Mixture Only – Cheese sauce may separate.

---

Creative Variations to Try

• Pepper Jack Swap – Use for extra heat and melt.
• Add Bell Peppers – Boost sweetness and texture.
• Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over lettuce wraps instead of buns.

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Filling Too Thin – Simmer longer uncovered.
• Cheese Sauce Grainy – Heat was too high; melt gently on low.
• Dry Chicken – Avoid overcooking; simmer just until thickened.
• Soggy Buns – Toast thoroughly before assembling.

---

Why This Recipe Works

Ground chicken absorbs Cajun seasoning exceptionally well while remaining tender and lighter than traditional beef. Simmering the mixture allows flavors to meld and moisture to reduce for that classic sloppy joe consistency. The roux-based cheese sauce stabilizes the milk and cheddar, creating a smooth emulsion that coats the sandwich luxuriously. Toasted brioche adds structural integrity and subtle sweetness, balancing the spice. At approximately 740 calories per sandwich, it’s indulgent but satisfying as a complete meal.

---

Final Thoughts

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce deliver bold flavor, comforting texture, and just the right amount of indulgence. The combination of spicy chicken and silky cheddar sauce creates a memorable sandwich perfect for sharing. For a lighter version, use whole wheat buns and reduce the cheese slightly while keeping that signature Cajun flair intact. However you serve them, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to disappear fast.