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; Pinch of salt; 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted; Softened butter (for toasting); Freshly ground black pepper (to finish)

I am absolutely in love with this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe because it combines bold, spicy flavors with the comfort of a cheesy, saucy sandwich all in one bite. Every time I make it, I find myself craving that perfect balance of tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spice and the smooth, velvety cheese sauce that just ties everything together. It’s a dish I turn to when I want something hearty, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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

One of the things that excites me most about this recipe is the vibrant flavor profile. The Cajun seasoning brings that perfect kick of heat and earthy spices that marry so well with the savory richness of the chicken. When you add the creamy cheese sauce into the mix, it mellows the spice beautifully and adds a luscious texture that makes every bite indulgent. Honestly, this is like a jazzed-up comfort food that feels familiar but offers a delightful twist.

I’m also a big fan because it’s wonderfully easy to prepare. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps are simple enough to fit into a busy weeknight without feeling rushed. It’s one of those meals where you get impressive, restaurant-worthy results from ingredients that are probably already sitting in your pantry. The whole process takes around 35 minutes, so it’s a win-win when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want a complicated recipe.

Whenever I serve these sloppy joes, I feel like they are perfect for a casual family dinner or even when friends come over for a cozy hangout. They have this inviting, hearty vibe that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy. Plus, the creamy cheese sauce cascading over the seasoned chicken is just plain fun to eat. It’s such a crowd-pleaser — I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress without the hassle.

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

The magic of this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe truly lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.

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

Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the chicken beautifully and carries the spices.
Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it’s perfect for soaking up Cajun flavors without being greasy.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build foundational flavor and sweetness.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show, providing the signature bold, spicy taste.
Tomato paste and tomato sauce: These add depth, acidity, and richness to the saucy filling.
Chicken broth: Keeps the meat moist and helps simmer everything into a spoonable texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a subtle umami boost that elevates the filling.
Brown sugar: Optional, but a small touch balances heat with sweet complexity.
Butter and flour: Essential for creating a smooth roux, the base of the creamy cheese sauce.
Milk and sharp cheddar: These make the cheese sauce velvety and packed with rich flavor.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the sauce.
Brioche buns: Soft and buttery buns that hold all the goodness with every bite.
Freshly ground black pepper: A finishing touch that adds subtle heat and freshness.

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until there is no pink left, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and begins to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for about one minute until the mixture smells wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, stirring until the chicken mixture looks glossy and brick-red. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir everything together.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a spoonable texture. Taste and season with salt as needed. If the mixture gets too thick, add a tablespoon or two of broth to loosen it up. I sometimes stir in a pinch of brown sugar to balance out the heat with a little sweetness.

Step 5: While the chicken simmers, prepare the creamy cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a pale roux, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 6: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Continue to cook and whisk for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and lightly coats the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese and paprika, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Season with a pinch of salt, and be sure not to let the sauce boil after adding the cheese to keep it from separating.

Step 8: Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Be attentive here to avoid burning the tops!

Step 9: To assemble, spoon a generous mound of the Cajun chicken filling onto each bottom bun. Ladle a good amount of the creamy cheese sauce over the top so it naturally cascades down the sides. Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper, cap with the top bun, and serve immediately. For easy cleanup and to catch those delicious cheese drips, I love building the sandwiches over a parchment-lined tray.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or small gathering. Prep time takes roughly 10 minutes, mostly for chopping and organizing ingredients. Cooking the filling and cheese sauce combined will take around 25 minutes, leading to a total of 35 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed, so you can dig in just as soon as everything is assembled, which is part of what makes this such a satisfying go-to recipe.

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

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with classic comfort sides that complement its bold flavors. Crispy golden fries, baked sweet potato wedges, or even a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balance the richness wonderfully. Sometimes, I even set out pickles or coleslaw on the side to add a crunchy, fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy sandwich.

For presentation, I find that piling the cheesy meat high on toasted brioche buns and letting the cheese sauce drip naturally down the sides creates such an inviting and indulgent look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra cracks of black pepper always adds a little visual pop. Serving the sandwiches on a large wooden board or parchment-lined tray invites family or friends to dig in with ease and makes clean-up a breeze.

Beverage-wise, I’m a big fan of pairing these sandwiches with chilled craft beers that can stand up to the spices, or a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like a Riesling to cool the palate. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or iced tea with fresh lemon works beautifully. This recipe shines at casual dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you want a quick but memorable meal that feels like a special treat.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe because it’s so versatile. For example, if you prefer beef or turkey, swapping the ground chicken for those proteins works great and offers slightly different textures and flavors. Vegetarians can use crumbled tempeh or textured vegetable protein and opt for a plant-based cheese sauce to keep things creamy and gooey.

If you’re catering to gluten-free needs, using gluten-free all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce and swapping brioche buns for gluten-free rolls lets everyone enjoy comfortably. To boost the spice level, I sometimes add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the filling. Alternatively, you can mellow the flavors by lowering the amount of Cajun seasoning and adding extra tomato sauce.

For a different cooking method, I’ve occasionally used the filling as a topping for baked potatoes or even a spooned filling over rice for a deconstructed version. The creamy cheese sauce can be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a dip for chips, highlighting just how adaptable this recipe really is.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and prevent the chicken from drying out. The creamy cheese sauce is best kept separately if possible, but if not, just give it a good stir before reheating. These leftovers stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a convenient next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead. Freeze the Cajun chicken filling and cheese sauce in separate freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture and flavor intact. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches since the buns can become soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken filling in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it seems thick. Reheat the cheese sauce slowly over low heat while stirring to restore its creamy smoothness—avoid boiling or overheating to prevent separation. Toast fresh buns just before serving to recreate that wonderful toasty contrast.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the creamy sauce?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar or American cheese works beautifully for that classic melty texture and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or even a blend of cheeses. Just choose ones that melt well for the best sauce consistency.

Is this recipe very spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of seasoning or pick a milder blend. To amp up the heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the filling and cheese sauce a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and assemble the sandwiches, which helps save time without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

What’s the best way to toast the brioche buns?

I recommend buttering the cut sides of the buns and toasting them in a hot skillet or under the broiler just until they’re golden and crisp. This adds flavor and structure so the buns don’t get soggy from the saucy filling.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese sauce with a vegan cheese alternative or a cashew-based cream sauce. Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes. For vegan, replace ground chicken with plant-based crumbles and adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain robust flavor.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe a try because it’s such a wonderful way to bring a burst of comforting yet exciting flavors to your table. It’s easy enough to whip up any night but special enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself. I promise, once you taste the rich, spicy chicken paired with that dreamy cheese sauce on warm toasted buns, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it is in mine.