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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

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Indulge in the bold and savory flavors of Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for busy schedules and gatherings alike. Juicy ground chicken is enveloped in a smoky-spicy sauce, then generously topped with a velvety cheese sauce that cascades over toasted brioche buns. This dish is not only satisfying but also kid-friendly, making it a surefire hit at your dining table. Whether served at family dinners or casual get-togethers, these sloppy joes promise to impress everyone with their rich taste and comforting texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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, freshly shredded
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • salt (pinch)
  • 46 brioche hamburger buns (split, toasted)
  • softened butter (for toasting, as needed)
  • freshly ground black pepper (to finish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken; cook and crumble until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Stir in chopped onion; cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Mix in tomato paste until the meat appears glossy and brick-red.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire; stir to combine.
  6. Simmer on low heat, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
  7. Season with salt to taste; add brown sugar if you desire sweet heat.
  8. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
  9. Whisk in flour; cook for about 1 minute to create a pale roux.
  10. Slowly whisk in milk; continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until it lightly coats the back of a spoon.
  11. Reduce heat to low; stir in shredded cheese and paprika until melted and silky smooth.
  12. Season with a pinch of salt but do not let it boil after adding cheese.
  13. Butter the cut sides of brioche buns; toast them in a hot pan or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
  14. Spoon a generous mound of Cajun chicken onto each bottom bun.
  15. Ladle warm cheese sauce over the top so it cascades down the sides of the bun.
  16. Grind black pepper over the sauce before capping with the top bun.
  17. Serve immediately!

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