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Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes That Will Spice Up Dinner

Enjoy this easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, ready in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing; can be swapped with any neutral oil.
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken The main protein in this dish; can also use ground turkey (93% lean).
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and texture; shallots make a milder alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Provides aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder is a good substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Infuses the mixture with a spicy kick; adjust to your spice preference or use a homemade blend.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Deepens the umami flavor; replace with more tomato sauce if needed.
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Adds moisture and richness; vegetable broth can lighten the flavor.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (Canned) Serves as a base for the sauce; you can opt for homemade if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Introduces depth; soy sauce can work as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances heat with sweetness; omit for less sweetness or swap with honey if desired.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Essential for the cheese sauce; margarine or oil can work for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce; gluten-free flour blends can be used instead.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Creates a creamy consistency; oat milk or almond milk are good dairy-free options.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar or American Cheese For the ultimate creamy cheese sauce; try plant-based cheese for dairy-free.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Enhances flavor; smoked paprika adds extra depth.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Brioche Hamburger Buns Perfect vessel for your filling; any soft sandwich bun will do.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adds a finishing touch; feel free to use any pepper blend to taste.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once shimmering, introduce the ground chicken, cooking until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Toss in chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, followed by minced garlic and Cajun seasoning for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in a couple of spoonfuls of tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize slightly for enhanced flavor.
  4. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and canned tomato sauce, adding Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, letting it bubble gently and thicken for about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Prepare the creamy cheese sauce in a separate saucepan. Melt unsalted butter over low heat and whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux.
  6. Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat, then stir in shredded cheddar and paprika, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly without boiling.
  8. Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and place them face down in a hot skillet. Toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Scoop generous amounts of the Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, drizzle the rich cheese sauce over the filling, and cap with the top portion of the bun.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using freshly shredded cheese for the creamy cheese sauce will provide a smoother texture. If the filling is too thick, splash in extra chicken broth for desirable texture. Adjust heat levels of Cajun seasoning to taste.

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