Description
A delightful and unexpected twist on classic sloppy joes, this recipe infuses tender ground chicken with rich Cajun spices and a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely dice the small onion and mince the garlic cloves. Have all other measured ingredients ready.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Bloom Flavors: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavors and toast the spices.
- Brown Chicken: Add 1 lb ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Season generously with salt to taste.
- Simmer Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a ‘sloppy’ consistency.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a roux; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in 8 oz of shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the prepared cheese sauce directly into the simmering Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joe mixture until it’s well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately on toasted hamburger buns.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg