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Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Enjoy Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with a creamy cheese sauce that elevates this classic dish in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Adds fat for cooking and flavor; substitute with another cooking oil if desired.
  • 1 pound Ground chicken A lean option compared to beef, can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 1 medium Onion Provides aromatic sweetness; use shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds a robust flavor; fresh is preferred, but minced or powdered garlic can work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Offers a spicy, savory kick; homemade blends can be used to adjust heat levels.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Deepens the umami flavor in the meat mixture.
  • 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth Provides moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce Adds tanginess, can replace with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances depth of flavor; soy sauce can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar Balances the spiciness; omit for a less sweet flavor profile.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Used for the cheese sauce base; can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour Thickens the cheese sauce; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Whole milk Creates a creamy sauce; nut milks can be utilized for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Offers a rich, creamy texture; freshly shredded cheese is recommended for optimal melt.
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika Adds warmth and flavor; Cajun seasoning obviously suffices here.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Brioche hamburger buns Soft, buttery base for the sandwich; whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be alternatives.
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper Adds a finishing touch of spice and flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  2. Stir in one finely chopped onion, cooking until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, sautéing for an additional minute.
  3. Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste until it coats the chicken. Follow with 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup of tomato sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, uncovered, cooking for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 4–5 minutes.
  6. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Lightly toast the inner sides of brioche hamburger buns until golden brown. Generously spoon the Cajun chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then drizzle with warm cheese sauce. Top with the other half of the bun, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store the chicken filling and cheese sauce separately from the buns until ready to serve.

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