Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Cheese Sauce (Printable)
Spicy Cajun chicken on toasted buns topped with rich, creamy cheddar sauce—a flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Cajun Chicken
01 - 1 pound ground chicken
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 3/4 cup tomato sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
14 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
15 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
16 - 3/4 cup milk
17 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
18 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ For Serving
20 - 4 soft brioche or hamburger buns, split and lightly toasted
21 - Sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
04 - While the chicken simmers, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 - Spoon a generous portion of Cajun chicken mixture onto each toasted bun bottom. Drizzle with creamy cheese sauce and sprinkle with green onions or parsley if desired. Cap with bun tops and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spicy Cajun seasoning balances perfectly with rich, melty cheese sauce
- Ready in under 45 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Let the chicken mixture simmer uncovered so it thickens properly, otherwise youll end up with soggy buns
- Remove the cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese or it might separate and turn grainy
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for a smoother sauce
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for better heat distribution and flavor