If you’re craving dinner that’s just a little bit decadent but still wonderfully comforting, look no further than Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes. This dish is a dreamy mashup of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender ground chicken, and gooey cheese, all piled high on toasty buttery buns. With familiar flavors and a hint of Italian flair, it’s a sandwich that brings folks running to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or sharing a casual meal with friends, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are guaranteed to make everyone’s eyes light up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the best part: the ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are probably already in your kitchen, and each one brings an essential element to the party. Their combination is unfussy, but don’t underestimate the punch of flavor, creaminess, and irresistible texture you’ll get.
- Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and quick-cooking, this is the perfect foundation for soaking up all that Alfredo flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a little richness and helps everything cook up golden and delicious.
- Onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and depth in every bite.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, give the whole dish that signature Italian aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that brings herby notes to tie everything together.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Alfredo sauce: A jar of silky Alfredo does the heavy lifting for creamy comfort with minimal fuss.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For ultimate meltiness—those gorgeous cheese pulls are a must!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a little salty, nutty punch that finishes the sauce off perfectly.
- Brioche or sandwich buns: Soft, pillowy buns ready to cradle all that luscious filling.
- Butter: Softened butter helps deliver golden, crispy edges to the buns—don’t skip this step!
- Garlic powder: Sprinkled on the buns for extra savory flavor in every bite.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives a burst of color and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start with a large skillet heated over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground chicken and let it sizzle. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the chicken as it cooks, watching it turn from pink to golden brown over the course of 6 to 8 minutes. This building-the-base step ensures every bite has that delicious, savory flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and let it sauté for 2 minutes. As they cook, the onion will soften, and the garlic will release its mouthwatering aroma. This infuses the filling with those classic Italian notes that make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes so special.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, plus your salt and black pepper. Now is when those dried herbs bloom, mingling with the other savory elements. Stir well before pouring in the jar of Alfredo sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture bubble gently for about 5 minutes, so the filling thickens into creamy dreamy perfection.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
With the sauce gently simmering, add in both shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt seamlessly into the mixture—creaminess and that signature cheese pull await! This step transforms simple chicken into rich, comforting Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes filling.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Meanwhile, it’s time to make those buns extra amazing. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of each brioche or sandwich roll and give them a little sprinkle of garlic powder. Place the buns, cut-side down, on a skillet or pop them under the broiler until they are golden around the edges and irresistibly crunchy on the inside.
Step 6: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture generously over each toasty bun bottom. Don’t be shy—you want that saucy filling to pile high! Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for final flair. Cap with the bun tops and serve these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes hot and melty, right away.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a kick. A little sprinkle never goes unnoticed and brings brightness to each sandwich.
Side Dishes
Round out your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes meal with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic parmesan fries. A simple Caesar salad or even a quick coleslaw is perfect for adding crunch and balancing the creamy richness of the filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party spin, serve the filling in smaller slider buns, or hollow out halved ciabatta rolls for Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes “boats.” If you’re feeling extra decadent, top each sandwich with a slice of provolone and a few crumbles of crispy bacon before the final broil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes filling can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. It keeps its creamy texture surprisingly well, making lunch or a quick dinner a breeze the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: it’s best to freeze just the filling, not the assembled sandwiches, to prevent soggy buns.
Reheating
To reheat, place the filling in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up. Stir gently until warmed through, then pile onto freshly toasted buns for the full Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes experience.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken, delivering similarly tender results. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same.
What’s the best way to keep the filling from becoming too runny?
Simmering the filling for at least 5 minutes after adding the Alfredo sauce allows plenty of time for it to thicken, especially once you stir in the cheeses. If you prefer it even thicker, let it cook for an extra minute or two.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of jarred?
You sure can! Homemade Alfredo will give your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes an even more luxurious, made-from-scratch flavor. Just use roughly 1 and 3/4 cups of sauce to match the recipe.
How do I make this dish kid-friendly?
Kids love creamy, cheesy sandwiches like these, but if you want to dial down the garlic or use a milder Alfredo sauce, feel free. Serving the filling on smaller slider buns is another fun way to make it perfect for little hands.
What are some extra mix-ins to level up this recipe?
Try folding in cooked bacon crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or baby spinach for a fresh twist. These additions blend beautifully with the creamy base and turn Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes into a sandwich to remember!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are the ideal cozy, satisfying, and downright crave-worthy choice. Gather your ingredients, toast those buns, and get ready to wow your family or friends—this is one sandwich worth every bite!
