Description
A delicious twist on traditional sloppy joes, featuring spicy Cajun flavors and a rich 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
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook the chicken until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and toast for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Then, add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until it has a nutty aroma.
- Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until it thickens. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine the Cajun chicken filling with the creamy cheese sauce in the skillet, gently stirring until everything is coated. Serve on toasted buns or rolls, with optional toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg