Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce – Bold, Spicy & Comfort Food Elevated

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce – Bold, Spicy & Comfort Food Elevated

Meet the ultimate flavor bomb: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce. This recipe takes your classic sloppy joe and turns it into a spicy, cheesy, southern-inspired masterpiece. Juicy ground chicken gets simmered in a smoky Cajun-spiced sauce, then piled high on toasted buns and drizzled with a silky, gooey cheese sauce that ties it all together. It’s bold, messy, comforting, and unbelievably satisfying — exactly what comfort food should be. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something that hits every flavor note (savory, spicy, creamy, and a little sweet), these Cajun Sloppy Joes deliver big time.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 17

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe Filling

1 lb 450g ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium onion finely chopped
½ green bell pepper diced
2 garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
¼ cup chicken broth or water

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
¾ cup milk whole or 2%
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese for creaminess
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

4 brioche or sandwich buns toasted
Chopped parsley or green onions optional garnish

Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Method

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — more spice, more sweetness, or a splash of broth for saucier texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheddar and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep the sauce warm on low heat — whisk occasionally so it stays velvety.

Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon generous portions of Cajun chicken mixture onto toasted buns.
Drizzle with warm cheese sauce.
Garnish with parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Serve immediately — and be prepared for delicious messiness!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store the filling and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm filling in a skillet over low heat; reheat cheese sauce gently with a splash of milk.

Freeze: The filling freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

🥄 Variations

Spicy Lover’s Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne.

Buffalo Twist: Swap Cajun seasoning for buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.

Loaded BBQ Version: Mix in BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.

Low-Carb Option: Serve on lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.

Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: Serve on toasted garlic butter buns.

Cajun Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.

Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based ground “chicken” and vegan cheese.

Sweet Heat: Add a drizzle of honey or hot honey on top before serving.

Breakfast Remix: Serve over biscuits and top with a fried egg.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes — it works perfectly and still absorbs all the Cajun flavors.

What’s in Cajun seasoning?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Can I make it milder?
Use less cayenne or a mild Cajun seasoning blend.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — great for meal prep or parties!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can — shred it and simmer in the sauce until coated and flavorful.

Can I skip the cheese sauce?
Sure, but it adds that creamy “wow” factor — don’t skip if you can help it!

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes — Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda all melt beautifully.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
Yes — store refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

What side dishes pair well?
Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or roasted corn on the cob complement this dish perfectly.

🏁 Conclusion

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce are everything you crave in comfort food — spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. The tender chicken, bold Cajun kick, and luscious cheese drizzle combine to create a flavor explosion that’s equal parts indulgent and irresistible.

It’s messy, melty, and totally worth it — a sandwich that turns dinner into an experience.