Description
A lighter version of sloppy joes packed with spicy Cajun flavors and a creamy cheddar sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Softened butter, for toasting buns
- Freshly ground black pepper, to finish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the ground chicken. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook until the meat takes on a glossy color.
- Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt; add brown sugar if desired.
- Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce by melting 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk. Cook 4–5 minutes until thickened.
- Fold in cheddar and paprika. Stir until silky smooth.
- Butter the brioche buns and toast them until golden.
- Spoon the Cajun chicken onto each bun and pour the cheese sauce over it.
- Finish with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with crisp sides like coleslaw, oven fries, or a simple salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, sloppy joes, comfort food, weeknight meals, easy recipes