If you love classic sloppy joes but crave something with more depth, spice, and indulgence, Cajun chicken sloppy joes with creamy cheese sauce are about to become a new favorite. This recipe takes the familiar comfort of sloppy joes and elevates it with Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce that ties everything together.

Instead of ground beef and a sweet tomato base, this version uses juicy chicken simmered with vegetables, savory spices, and just enough sauce to keep everything messy in the best way. The creamy cheese sauce adds balance, cooling the heat slightly while enhancing every bite with richness.

This dish is bold, cozy, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want comfort food with personality.

Why Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Work So Well

Cajun flavors are naturally bold but balanced. They bring heat, smokiness, and savoriness without overwhelming the dish. When paired with chicken, those flavors shine even brighter, allowing the spices to coat the meat evenly and soak into the sauce.

What makes this recipe special:

Chicken stays juicy and tender
Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth
Creamy cheese sauce mellows spice and boosts richness
Sloppy joe texture stays hearty but not watery

It’s familiar enough to feel comforting, yet exciting enough to feel new.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work beautifully. Chicken breast keeps things lighter and shreds easily, while thighs add extra richness and moisture. Either option absorbs the Cajun seasoning well and stays tender during simmering.

Cooking the chicken gently in sauce ensures it doesn’t dry out and allows flavors to fully develop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together quickly.

Ingredients

Cooked shredded or finely chopped chicken
Olive oil
Onion
Bell pepper
Garlic
Cajun seasoning
Tomato sauce
Chicken broth
Worcestershire-style seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Brioche or hamburger buns

Creamy Cheese Sauce

Butter
Flour
Milk or cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Paprika

Optional toppings:

Pickles
Jalapeños
Green onions

Building Flavor Step by Step

The base of this dish starts with sautéed onion and bell pepper, which add sweetness and body to the sauce. Garlic and Cajun seasoning bloom in the oil, releasing aroma and flavor. Tomato sauce and broth create a loose but hearty base, while chicken absorbs everything as it simmers.

The cheese sauce is made separately so it stays smooth and pourable. Combining the two at serving time keeps textures perfect and prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened.
Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire-style seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in cooked chicken and simmer until thickened and saucy.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook briefly to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk or cream until smooth.
Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, and paprika until melted and creamy.
Toast buns lightly.
Spoon Cajun chicken mixture onto buns and drizzle generously with cheese sauce.
Serve immediately.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken simmered in a savory sauce and served on toasted buns with rich, creamy cheese sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Cajun Chicken Filling

2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion diced
1 bell pepper diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup tomato sauce
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire-style seasoning
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper

Creamy Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk or cream
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp paprika

Equipment

Large skillet
Saucepan
Whisk

Method

Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook until fragrant.
Stir in tomato sauce, broth, seasonings, and chicken. Simmer until thick.
Melt butter in saucepan and whisk in flour.
Slowly add milk or cream, whisking until smooth.
Stir in cheese and spices until creamy.
Spoon chicken onto toasted buns and top with cheese sauce.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.

Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

Simmer gently to keep chicken tender
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat
Toast the buns to prevent sogginess
Serve cheese sauce warm for best texture

Easy Variations

Extra Spicy Version
Add cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

Buffalo Cajun Sloppy Joes
Stir a little buffalo-style sauce into the chicken base.

Low-Carb Option
Serve over lettuce or in low-carb buns.

Smoky Version
Add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun chicken sloppy joes with:

Crispy fries or wedges
Coleslaw
Simple green salad
Corn on the cob

They’re hearty enough to stand alone but shine with classic sides.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Chicken mixture can be made up to 3 days ahead
Cheese sauce is best fresh but reheats gently
Store components separately for best results

Final Thoughts

Cajun chicken sloppy joes with creamy cheese sauce are messy, bold, and unapologetically comforting. They deliver everything you want in a comfort meal—spice, creaminess, and big flavor—without being complicated. Once you try them, classic sloppy joes may never feel exciting enough again.

Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes with Creamy Cheese Sauce: Bold Comfort Food with a Southern Twist