When comfort food meets Italian flavors, you get something unforgettable. Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes combine the richness of creamy Alfredo sauce with the casual appeal of a hearty sandwich. It’s the perfect mash-up of American tradition and Italian indulgence, all packed into a soft hamburger bun. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknights, game-day gatherings, or just craving something different, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and ease in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Creamy comfort – the Alfredo sauce coats every bite with luscious richness.
- Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Kid-friendly – mild, cheesy, and delicious for even picky eaters.
- Budget-friendly – simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Versatile – serve in buns, sliders, or even over pasta.
- Meal-prep friendly – reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
- Restaurant-quality flavor – without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making the best creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes:
- Ground chicken (1 lb.) – lean and mild, a perfect canvas for Alfredo flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp.) – for sautéing and flavor depth.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – builds aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – enhances that classic Alfredo taste.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – creates the rich, silky sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated) – nutty, salty, and creamy binding element.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp.) – adds herbal notes of oregano, thyme, and basil.
- Salt & pepper – adjust to taste.
- Hamburger buns (4) – sturdy, slightly toasted buns hold the filling well.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – brightens the dish with color and freshness.
Substitutions & Tips
- Swap ground chicken with turkey for a leaner option or shredded rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Use half & half instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Gluten-free? Serve the mixture over baked potatoes or gluten-free buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion; cook 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it apart. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink.
2. Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir until combined.
- Slowly add Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- If too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water.
3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Lightly toast hamburger buns for sturdiness.
- Spoon generous chicken Alfredo mixture onto bottom bun.
- Top with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
✅ Pro tip: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so assemble just before serving.
Pro Tips & Expert Advice
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toast your buns lightly and serve immediately after assembling. You can also layer lettuce or spinach beneath the filling to act as a barrier.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of cream before serving.
What makes Alfredo sauce creamy?
The emulsion of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a silky base. Gentle heat prevents curdling and ensures smooth consistency.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Classic Style – on toasted buns with extra Parmesan.
- Slider Version – serve on small rolls for parties.
- Over Pasta – transform into Alfredo chicken pasta for variety.
- Stuffed Peppers – use the filling inside roasted bell peppers.
- With Veggie Sides – pair with roasted broccoli or garlic green beans.
👉 Related recipes on HomemadeHaven:
- [Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf]
- [Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta]
- [Easy Scalloped Potatoes with Parmesan]
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 1 Sloppy Joe)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 25% DV
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator – Store filling in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze filling (not buns) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm gently on stove with a splash of cream or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and creamier. If using jarred, enhance with garlic and Parmesan.
What bread works best?
Soft but sturdy hamburger buns work best. Brioche adds sweetness, while ciabatta provides chewiness.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes complement the Alfredo flavor beautifully.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes—creamy, cheesy, and mild. For picky eaters, keep spices minimal.
Variations You’ll Love
- Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes – add mozzarella for gooey texture.
- Spicy Alfredo Version – stir in crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Sliders – serve in mini buns for appetizers.
- Low-Carb Option – swap buns for lettuce wraps.
- Italian Twist – top with marinara drizzle and fresh basil.
Conclusion: Comfort Food, Elevated
Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are proof that even the simplest dishes can feel gourmet when given an Italian twist. This recipe blends the creamy indulgence of Alfredo with the fun, messy joy of Sloppy Joes. Perfect for family dinners, casual parties, or meal prep, it’s a versatile, satisfying dish you’ll return to again and again.
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Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Preparing the Chicken Mixture:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
– Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
2. **Making the Alfredo Sauce:**
– Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and onion mixture.
– Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
3. **Assembling the Sloppy Joes:**
– Prepare the hamburger buns by toasting them lightly on a skillet or in a toaster.
– Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, ensuring a good amount of sauce and chicken.
– Top with the other half of the bun. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese on top.
4. **Serving Suggestions:**
– Place the assembled Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
– Serve with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy warm!
Notes
– For added nutrition, consider incorporating chopped bell peppers or spinach when sautéing the onions.
– For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
– Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative for a lighter version.
– Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese for a unique flavor.