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Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Comforting Sauce

Enjoy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes that are comforting yet full of life, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken or ground turkey for lighter option
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning add more for extra kick
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste for depth and richness
  • 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce base for the mixture
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce optional but recommended
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar omit for less sweetness
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter or plant-based butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup Whole Milk or oat milk for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded from the block
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Brioche Hamburger Buns or whole wheat/gluten-free options
  • to taste Salt for enhancing flavors
  • to taste Pepper for enhancing flavors

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Saucepan
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and begins to brown.
  2. Stir in the chopped onion once the chicken is browned. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and tender. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for about 1 minute.
  3. Mix in the tomato paste until it becomes glossy, ensuring it coats the chicken and aromatics evenly. Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce, followed by Worcestershire sauce if using. Let the mixture simmer uncovered on low heat for 8-10 minutes until it thickens.
  4. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux; cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually add whole milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
  5. While the cheese sauce is finishing, butter the cut sides of the brioche hamburger buns. Toast them in a pan or under the broiler until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  6. To build your Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes, place a generous scoop of the chicken mixture on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Drizzle the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with black pepper on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sloppy joeCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Leftover Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture makes a fantastic filling for nachos or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can freeze the chicken mixture for up to three months.

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