Ingredients
Scale
- Cajun Chicken Filling
- 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
- Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz sharp cheddar or American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt
- Assembly
- 4–6 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Softened butter for toasting
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Cajun Chicken Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook while crumbling until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and stir until the meat mixture becomes glossy and deep red.
- Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until thick and spoonable. Season with salt and add brown sugar if desired. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook 4–5 minutes, whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and paprika until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
- Assemble: Butter the cut sides of brioche buns and toast in a hot pan or under the broiler until golden.
- Spoon Cajun chicken onto each bottom bun, then ladle warm cheese sauce over the top.
- Finish with freshly ground black pepper, place the top bun on, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For milder heat, start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
- Serve with fries or potato wedges to soak up any extra cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun