Oh, hello flavor explosion! Ditch the ordinary and get ready to welcome these phenomenal Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes into your life. Imagine this: tender ground chicken mingling with sautéed onions and peppers, all enveloped in a ridiculously creamy, cheesy sauce humming with zesty Cajun spices.
It’s like your favorite childhood sloppy joe got a sophisticated, spicy makeover, and trust me, the results are pure magic. Piled high on a soft brioche bun, this creation is messy in the best possible way, a saucy, savory, slightly spicy dream that’s surprisingly quick to whip up. Perfect for shaking up weeknight dinners or adding some pizzazz to your casual get-togethers!

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Classic Comfort, Elevated: It takes the nostalgic joy of a sloppy joe and infuses it with the bold, vibrant flavors of Cajun seasoning for a truly exciting upgrade.
- Creamy, Cheesy Bliss: Forget just tomato sauce, the addition of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates an unbelievably luscious, rich texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Wonderfully Straightforward: Despite tasting complex and impressive, this dish comes together remarkably fast in one skillet, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor Rollercoaster: You get savory chicken, sweet peppers and onions, aromatic garlic, a warm Cajun kick, and creamy cheese all in one glorious bite. It’s a party for your palate!
Ingredients
Ready to assemble this skillet sensation? Here’s the lineup of flavor-makers:
- Ground Chicken: A lighter alternative to traditional beef, it cooks quickly and readily absorbs all the delicious Cajun flavors.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: The classic aromatic base, providing sweetness and texture. Any color bell pepper works!
- Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! Adds that essential savory depth.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies to perfection.
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart and soul of the dish! Brings that signature blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs for a warm, zesty kick.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create the saucy base, infusing more savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to luxurious richness! It transforms the sauce into something truly decadent.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding sharp, cheesy goodness and contributing to that glorious gooey texture.
- Brioche or Hamburger Buns: The perfect soft, slightly sweet vessel to hold all that amazing filling. Toasting them adds a nice textural contrast.
- Salt & Pepper: To season everything perfectly and make the flavors pop.
(Note: The full list of ingredients with precise measurements is available in the recipe card just below this article!)
How to Make the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Let’s get this flavor party started, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Get a large skillet heating over medium heat with a swirl of olive oil. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned all over. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss the chopped onion and bell pepper right into the skillet with the browned chicken. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Time for the flavor magic! Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper all over the chicken and veggie mixture. Stir everything really well to make sure it’s all coated in those zesty spices. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up just slightly.
Step 4: Get Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and beautifully creamy. Now for the grand finale: start adding the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Keep stirring until you have a luscious, gooey, cheesy chicken mixture. Oh yeah!
Step 5: Assemble Your Joes
Give your brioche or hamburger buns a light toast if you like, this helps them hold up to the saucy filling. Spoon that incredible Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy! Place the top half of the bun on top.
Step 6: Serve Immediately!
These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed straight away while they’re hot, messy, and utterly irresistible. Grab extra napkins!
Pro Tips for Making the Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Adjust the Spice: Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat. Taste the mixture before adding the cream and cheese, and add a pinch more seasoning or a dash of cayenne if you crave more fire. If you prefer milder, start with slightly less seasoning.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack would also melt beautifully and taste amazing.
- Don’t Over-Simmer: Once you add the cream and cheese, just heat gently until melted and combined. Boiling cheese sauces can sometimes cause them to break or become grainy.
- Toast Those Buns: Seriously, don’t skip lightly toasting the buns! It adds a crucial textural element and helps prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
These joes are a meal in themselves, but sides are always fun:
- Classic Sides: Serve with crispy french fries, tater tots, or a cool, creamy coleslaw for that perfect diner vibe.
- Pickles: Dill pickle chips or spears offer a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the meal nicely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Got leftovers? You’re in luck!
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Cajun chicken mixture to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep leftover buns separate.
Freezing
The creamy, cheesy chicken mixture can be frozen. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon reheating, but it should still be delicious.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it seems too thick. You can also reheat portions in the microwave. Assemble fresh joes with toasted buns.
FAQs : Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
1. Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey would be a very similar substitution. Ground beef would also work wonderfully, giving it a richer flavor, just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a similar richness, you could try using half-and-half, though the sauce might be slightly less thick. Evaporated milk could also work in a pinch. Using regular milk will result in a much thinner sauce.
3. My sauce seems too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
If too thin after simmering (before adding cream/cheese), let it simmer a few minutes longer. If too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember it will thicken slightly as it cools.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Finely chopped celery (“the holy trinity” with onion and bell pepper) is a classic Cajun addition. Corn kernels or even some black beans stirred in towards the end could also be delicious additions.
Get ready to shake up your sandwich routine with these incredible Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes! This easy chicken recipe delivers big on flavor, combining zesty Cajun spices with a creamy cheese sauce for an unforgettable twist on a classic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these cheesy chicken sandwiches are messy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe handy!

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- 1 Small Onion finely chopped
- 1 Bell pepper any color, chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste/heat level
- 1/2 Cup Chicken broth
- 1/4 Cup Heavy cream
- 1 Cup Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack/Colby Jack
- 4 Brioche or hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat slightly. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly after each addition, until all the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and gooey.
- Lightly toast the buns, if desired.
- Spoon the Cajun chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun. Place the top bun over the filling.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!