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Creamy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Creamy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes - featured image
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These Creamy Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes are a bold, creamy, one-skillet wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features smoky Cajun flavor balanced with rich cream cheese for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4–6 soft hamburger buns or brioche buns, toasted
  • Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics: Finely chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and set aside to soften.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
  6. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer and thicken: Let the mixture simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency.
  8. Toast the buns: While filling simmers, split buns and toast in a toaster or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  9. Assemble and serve: Spoon generous amount of filling onto bottom half of each toasted bun. Add optional toppings, then top with other half of bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding. Toasting the buns is essential to prevent sogginess. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken sloppy joes, creamy sloppy joes, 30-minute dinner, ground chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-sloppy-joes-easy-30-minute-dinner/