Name: Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground chicken; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup tomato sauce (canned); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar (optional); Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded; 1/4 tsp paprika; Salt, a pinch; 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted; Softened butter, for toasting buns; Freshly ground black pepper, for finishing

I absolutely love sharing this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe with you because it combines bold, spicy flavors with a velvety cheese sauce that feels like a warm hug on a bun. This dish is my go-to when I want something comfortingly rich, packed with personality, and surprisingly easy to whip up. The Cajun spices bring a lively kick, while the creamy cheese sauce makes every bite irresistibly indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that instantly elevates a simple dinner into something memorable.

Why You'll Love This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

What really draws me to this recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The Cajun seasoning hits those smoky, spicy notes that wake up your taste buds, but it’s all softened by the luscious, dreamy cheese sauce that I can’t get enough of. The ground chicken keeps things lighter than traditional beef sloppy joes but still delivers a hearty, satisfying bite. Every mouthful feels like an adventure with a cozy home-cooked finish.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. From start to finish, it takes about 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. The steps flow effortlessly, and I love knowing I don’t have to pull out a dozen pans to get those layers of flavor. Plus, assembling the sandwiches with toasted brioche buns always feels like a treat, and the cheese sauce cascading over the savory chicken filling just makes them truly special.

I find this dish perfect for so many occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a weekend hangout with friends, or game day grub, these Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce stand out. They’re packed with enough flavor and creaminess to impress, but flexible enough to pair with your favorite sides or customize to your taste. It’s a recipe that I keep going back to because it hits that sweet spot between ease and wow factor.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of vegetables like onions and green peppers. The meat is brown with a slightly reddish hue, and the texture looks soft and crumbly. The vegetables are soft, mixed evenly among the meat, and the whole dish looks warm and moist, filling the frame closely. There is a black spatula partially visible on the right side, stirring the mixture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple and essential, working together to build complex layers of taste, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. From the aromatic onion and garlic to the spicy Cajun seasoning and silky cheese sauce, every element serves a delicious purpose.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness that carries all the flavors.
Ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps this version lighter but still hearty and satisfying.
Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and soft texture as it cooks down with the meat.
Garlic, minced: A must-have aromatics boost that pulls everything together with its pungent warmth.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the dish, delivering that signature southern spice and earthiness.
Tomato paste: Deepens the umami and gives the filling that rich, glossy finish.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
Tomato sauce (canned): Brings a gentle acidity and body to the filling.
Worcestershire sauce: A subtle tangy complexity that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Brown sugar (optional): Just a touch to mellow the heat and balance the spice perfectly.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the other tastes.
Unsalted butter: For the luscious cheese sauce roux and toasting the buns.
All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that turns milk into creamy cheese sauce.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded: Melts silky smooth into a decadent topping.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the cheese sauce.
Brioche hamburger buns: Soft, buttery, and perfect for holding all that delicious filling.
Softened butter: For toasting the buns to a golden, crisp finish.
Freshly ground black pepper: For a final spice touch to enhance the creaminess and heat balance.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it, breaking it up as you go, until there’s no pink left—about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s translucent and soft.

Step 2: Toss in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until you can really smell those spices blooming. Next, add the tomato paste and stir it through the meat mixture until it turns a glossy brick-red color, signaling it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let the filling simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens up and becomes spoonable. Season with salt to your liking, and if you want a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the spice, sprinkle in the optional brown sugar. If the filling becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a little extra broth to loosen it up.

Step 4: Meanwhile, make the creamy cheese sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about 1 minute to form a pale roux that will thicken the sauce nicely.

Step 5: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and continue whisking for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and paprika, mixing until the cheese has melted into a smooth, silky sauce. Add a pinch of salt to taste, but be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the cheese, or it might seize up.

Step 6: Butter the cut sides of your brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Then spoon a generous mound of the spicy Cajun chicken filling onto the bottom half of each bun. Ladle the warm, creamy cheese sauce over the top so it cascades down the sides in that wonderfully indulgent way we all love.

Step 7: Finish by sprinkling some freshly ground black pepper over the cheese sauce, cap each sandwich with the top bun, and serve right away. I like to assemble these over a parchment-lined tray because the extra cheese sauce drips are pure gold—you’ll want to dunk your fries or napkins in every last drop.

Servings and Timing

This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, with about 25 minutes of cook time, making the total time around 35 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time required, so you can enjoy these sandwiches fresh, hot, and melty right away.

How to Serve This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich with three visible layers inside a soft, light brown bun; the bottom layer is chunky, golden-brown cooked chicken coated in a rich orange sauce, the middle layer is melted white cheese covering the chicken and slightly dripping over the sides, and the top is the smooth, shiny bun. In the background, there are blurred white fries on a white marbled surface. The focus is on the sandwich’s texture and colors, making it look warm and tasty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like serving these sandwiches hot, fresh from the skillet, with the cheese still warm and melty. For sides, some crispy oven-baked fries or a crunchy cabbage slaw work beautifully to balance the richness and add some texture contrast. You could also serve them alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh.

When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sliced jalapeños can add both charming color and extra zing. For presentation, I love placing these sloppy joes on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates, letting the cheese sauce drip down the sides for that “wow” factor that makes every bite as fun to look at as it is to eat.

As for drinks, these sandwiches pair wonderfully with a chilled pale ale or a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creaminess. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with a twist of lime feels refreshing and keeps the meal feeling light despite all the indulgence. This recipe fits any occasion, from a casual weeknight to weekend cookouts, family gatherings, or whenever I want a comforting yet exciting meal.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I recommend trying ground turkey or even lean ground beef instead of chicken for a different protein profile bringing its own juicy texture. For a vegetarian spin, you could replace the meat with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein and boost the seasoning accordingly to keep that Cajun spirit alive.

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry, and choose gluten-free buns, which are widely available now. Vegan adaptations are possible by using plant-based ground “meat” substitutes, dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and a cashew or soy-based cheese alternative that melts well.

For more flavor variations, I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce to the filling or swap the Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version if needed. You could also experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky depth. Cooking methods can vary, too—this filling would be amazing in stuffed peppers or baked in a casserole dish with cheese sauce layered on top for a hearty baked dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The filling and cheese sauce should keep well for up to 3 days. I like to keep the buns separate so they don’t get soggy overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely if you store the filling and cheese sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for about 2 months in the freezer. I don’t recommend freezing the buns with the filling since they tend to lose their texture after thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm the filling and cheese sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture. Avoid using a microwave if possible because it can cause the cheese sauce to separate. Toast fresh buns while reheating the filling so your sandwich stays crisp and inviting. Assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef will work well in this recipe. Just note that beef might release more fat, so you may want to drain excess grease as needed. Adjust cooking times slightly if meat is thicker. The Cajun seasoning and cheese sauce will complement any of these proteins beautifully.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives a moderate kick, but it’s balanced by the creamy cheese sauce and optional brown sugar to tame the heat. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the Cajun seasoning a bit or skip the brown sugar. For heat lovers, feel free to add extra Cajun spice or hot sauce.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the cheese sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving. Just be sure to whisk it well as it warms to restore the smooth texture. Avoid boiling the sauce during reheating to prevent it from breaking.

What kind of buns do you recommend?

I prefer brioche buns because their slight sweetness and buttery texture complement the spicy filling and creamy sauce perfectly. However, you can use any soft hamburger bun or even sandwich rolls depending on your preference.

How should I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?

This recipe scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredients in proportion and cook the filling in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and seasoning. Keep cheese sauce warm on low heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe as much as I do. It’s a delightful way to bring bold, comforting flavors together in an easy, satisfying meal that always feels a bit special. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a favorite for your family and friends to gather around and savor with big smiles and happy hearts.