If you’re craving a comfort food twist that’s creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying, then this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is about to become your new favorite quick meal. Imagine tender ground chicken enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce, seasoned just right, and piled high on perfectly toasted buns. This dish takes the classic sloppy joe to an entirely new level, effortlessly blending creamy Italian flavors with American casual dining. It’s an absolute winner for weeknight dinners, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a flavorful, creamy, and well-balanced dish. Every component melds together seamlessly, offering a perfect blend of taste, texture, and inviting color that makes the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes truly irresistible.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth to the Alfredo sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that’s essential in any Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy backbone of the sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
- 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce: Convenient and full of cheesy goodness, it’s the shortcut to that signature flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
- 4 Sloppy Joe buns, split and toasted: Soft yet sturdy to hold the creamy chicken, with a toasty crunch.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it, stirring every so often, breaking it into small bites with your spoon or spatula. This step is crucial for juicy, tender chicken without any clumps. After about 10 to 12 minutes, once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll want the pan ready for the sauce next.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low, then melt butter in that same skillet. Add the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—this brings brightness to the sauce without overpowering. Pour in the heavy cream and the jar of Alfredo sauce, stirring gently until everything is silky smooth. Toss in the Italian seasoning to bring in that Italian flair that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Now return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together, making sure every little morsel is coated in creamy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it all simmer for a few minutes until heated through and thickened just right. This is where the magic really happens—the sauce clings to the chicken creating that classic sloppy joe texture but with an elegant twist.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While your chicken Alfredo mixture finishes, slice your buns in half and toast them lightly. You can use a toaster or warm them in a skillet—just enough to get a golden-brown crust that adds crunch and holds up beneath all that saucy filling without getting soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Grab those warm buns and spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken Alfredo filling onto the bottom half of each. Top with the other half, pressing gently to keep everything snug. The creamy, cheesy mix spilling out just slightly? That’s exactly how it should be.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes immediately while the filling is warm, melty, and inviting. This dish is a showstopper that’s quick enough for any weeknight but special enough for casual gatherings with friends and family.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped basil adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh aroma that cuts through the creamy richness. For a little extra tang, try a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top—it enhances the cheesy goodness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries or golden potato wedges that add a delightful crunch. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sloppy joes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, open-faced presentations on a toasted bun half or slider-sized versions make for excellent party snacks. You can also stuff the filling inside soft pita pockets or even scoop it over a bed of buttered pasta for a deconstructed Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken Alfredo filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together, making your next serving even tastier. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken Alfredo mixture for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the creamy sauce smooth and avoid separation. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Toast fresh buns when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to make Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Definitely. Homemade Alfredo sauce can elevate the dish even more, allowing you to control the richness and seasoning to your liking.
What if I want this recipe to be spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking, or top the sandwich with sliced jalapeños for a spiced-up version.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free buns?
Yes, both options work just fine and make the dish accommodating for different dietary preferences.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is a speedy dinner, taking about 25 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for these incredibly creamy and flavorful Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes, it’s time to dive into the kitchen and whip up this comforting meal. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your repertoire—comfort food at its very best.
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Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes recipe combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender ground chicken for a unique twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy and comforting meal perfect for a quick dinner. Served on toasted buns, this dish delivers a flavorful, satisfying bite that pairs well with fries or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Buns
- 4 Sloppy Joe buns, split and toasted
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce, stirring until smooth and combined. Mix in the Italian seasoning.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce mixture. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Toast the Buns: While the chicken mixture is warming, split the Sloppy Joe buns and toast them lightly either in a toaster or on a skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the top half of the bun over the filling, pressing lightly to hold everything together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm. These sloppy joes go great with sides like fries, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and a light Alfredo sauce.
- You can add chopped spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the Italian seasoning and salt.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
