If you love bold Southern flavors and crave comfort food with a kick, this Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes With Creamy Sauce recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Juicy ground chicken seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, simmered in a rich and creamy sauce, then piled high onto soft toasted buns — this dish delivers the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and indulgence.

Unlike traditional sloppy joes made with beef and tomato-based sauce, this Louisiana-inspired version elevates the classic sandwich with layers of savory spices, tender chicken, and a velvety cream sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s messy in the best way possible — and absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal, a game-day spread, or simply looking to switch up your usual sandwich routine, this spicy chicken sloppy joes recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Packed with bold Cajun flavor
Creamy, rich, and slightly spicy
Ready in under 40 minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights
Family-friendly with adjustable heat
Budget-friendly ingredients

This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering sandwich that tastes like it came straight from a Southern kitchen.

What Makes It “Cajun”?

Cajun cuisine originates from Louisiana and is known for its rustic, hearty, and boldly seasoned dishes. Traditional Cajun cooking often features a “holy trinity” of vegetables: onion, bell pepper, and celery. While this sandwich simplifies things slightly, it keeps that signature Cajun spirit through:

Smoky paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper
Dried oregano
Black pepper

The result? A deeply seasoned, slightly smoky, and gently spicy filling that pairs beautifully with the cooling creamy sauce.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
6 brioche buns, lightly toasted
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.
Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Pour in heavy cream and add butter. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Spoon generous portions onto toasted brioche buns.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

1. Don’t Skip Toasting the Buns

Toasted buns prevent sogginess and add texture contrast to the creamy filling.

2. Control the Heat

Cajun seasoning blends vary in spice level. Start with less cayenne and adjust to your preference.

3. Let It Simmer

Allowing the mixture to simmer helps the flavors deepen and meld together.

4. Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic enhances the bold Cajun profile far more than garlic powder alone.

Variations

Spicier Version

Add diced jalapeños or an extra pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick.

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Top the filling with shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese before closing the sandwich.

Low-Carb Option

Serve the creamy Cajun chicken mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns.

Make It Smokier

Add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

These creamy Cajun chicken sandwiches pair wonderfully with:

Crispy sweet potato fries
Coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Simple green salad
Pickle spears

For gatherings, serve alongside chips and dipping sauces for a casual party spread.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooled filling for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

Using ground chicken instead of beef makes this dish lighter while still satisfying. Chicken is a lean protein source, and when paired with moderate cream and butter, it creates balance without overwhelming heaviness.

You can easily lighten the recipe further by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduced-fat cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the filling in advance and reheat before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes — shred it finely and reduce simmer time.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Final Thoughts

These Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes With Creamy Sauce combine Southern spice with comforting creaminess in one unforgettable sandwich. They’re messy, flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Once you try this Louisiana inspired chicken recipe, you may never go back to traditional sloppy joes again.