Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you’re looking for a gloriously cheesy, mouthwateringly savory twist on a classic comfort food, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are destined to become a staple at your kitchen table. Imagine everything you love about creamy Alfredo pasta—silky sauce, tender chicken, a punch of garlic—all generously heaped on a pillowy bun and topped with gooey, melted cheese. This is not your average sandwich! With every bite, you get a little magic: rich, garlicky goodness, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and the pure nostalgia of a great Sloppy Joe, all in one incredibly crave-worthy meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or seeking a quick weeknight dinner, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are the kind of unexpected delight that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes is how simple yet essential each ingredient is; every component brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or the perfect melty finish. Let’s break it down so you know exactly why they all matter!

• Olive oil: Helps the onions and garlic bloom with flavor, setting up a savory foundation for the filling.
• Sweet onion: Adds gentle sweetness and aromatic depth that balances out the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Garlic: The aromatic backbone; use fresh, jarred, or even garlic paste for serious flavor.
• Ground chicken: Lean and juicy, ground chicken soaks up all the saucy goodness while keeping things light.
• Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle, but it infuses the mixture with classic herb notes that sing “Alfredo!”
• Kosher salt: Brightens and amplifies all other flavors—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Butter: The base for luxurious Alfredo—use salted for maximum flavor.
• Heavy cream: This is where the Alfredo magic happens—expect silky, lush texture in every bite.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for nutty, salty, unmistakable Alfredo taste.
• Garlic powder: Dials up the garlic flavor and helps thicken the sauce just a touch.
• Sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and perfect for gooey sandwich fun.
• Buns: Go for sturdy, slightly sweet buns—broiling them takes this to a whole new level!

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start with a large skillet set over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the finely diced sweet onion and let it sizzle away. You’re looking for that translucent, fragrant moment—usually about 3 minutes—when your whole kitchen starts to smell amazing. Sautéing the onion first sweetens it and forms the all-important base of your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes.

Step 2: Welcome the Garlic

Stir in your garlic (fresh, jarred, or paste, your pick). Let that cook for just 30 seconds—garlic goes from perfect to burnt quickly—so it releases its flavor without getting bitter. This extra hit of garlic brings out that Alfredo essence!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken straight into your skillet along with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and loses any pinkness. Take a moment to drain off excess liquid or grease for the best texture and flavor in your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

While the chicken cools its heels in the skillet, grab a small saucepan for the Alfredo sauce. Over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir constantly—this helps the sauce thicken to magical, pourable perfection in about 3 to 5 minutes, ready to drape every chunk of chicken in cheesy luxury.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour your homemade Alfredo sauce over the cooked chicken mixture in the skillet. Give it all a thorough stir so the sauce coats every morsel. Now, simmer the whole thing for a full 10 minutes—this allows the sauce to thicken deliciously and the flavors to mingle like old friends, making Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes unbelievably rich.

Step 6: Build and Broil

Split your buns and arrange them on a cookie sheet. Spread with butter or mist with cooking spray, then broil until lightly golden. Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella to the top buns and broil again for just 30 seconds—keep a close eye, as they brown fast! This makes the cheese melty and adds a toasty crunch that takes Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes into over-the-top territory.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture generously onto your bottom buns, crown with the melty cheese-topped lids, and brace yourself for a sandwich experience so good, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Grab napkins—these are deliciously messy in all the right ways!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or a little extra grated parmesan for a restaurant-style finish. Cracked black pepper or even a tiny dash of red pepper flakes can add pretty flecks of color and a hint of heat. Serve them open-faced if you want to show off that gorgeous, creamy filling!

Side Dishes

These Sloppy Joes pair like a dream with classic sides—think crispy baked fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or tender steamed broccoli that echoes the Alfredo theme. For a lighter twist, try a simple tomato-cucumber salad to cut through the richness and brighten every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party or just want to make dinner extra fun? Scoop the Chicken Alfredo mixture into slider buns for party-friendly minis. Or serve the filling over toasted garlic bread for a Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joe melt. You could even nestle the saucy chicken inside hollowed-out rolls, top with cheese, then bake for cheesy, bubbling “boat”-style delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes filling to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and get even richer overnight, making those next-day leftovers a true treat. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the chicken Alfredo filling cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-friendly containers or zip bags (squeeze out as much air as you can!). It’ll keep well for up to two months. For best texture, freeze without cheese slices and add fresh cheese when reheating and assembling.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until heated through and creamy again—add a splash of cream or milk if it’s too thick. For a quick single serving, you can use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring as you go. Assemble on fresh, toasty buns with cheese for that freshly made vibe!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred the rotisserie chicken and skip the step of browning ground meat. Add the cooked shredded chicken when you would add the sauce, and let everything mingle over low heat until the sauce is thick and the flavors are combined.

What’s the best cheese: provolone or mozzarella?

Both are fantastic—mozzarella brings extra melty, stretchy goodness, while provolone offers a slight tang. You can even use both for an ultra-cheesy experience. Parmesan on top is delicious for an extra kick!

How do I make the Alfredo sauce thicker?

If the sauce seems thin, keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until it thickens to your liking. You can add a little extra parmesan for richness or let the sauce cool briefly—it thickens as it stands.

Are Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes spicy?

Nope, not by default! The recipe is mellow but packed with flavor. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the mix or as a garnish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap in gluten-free buns. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dive into these hearty sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get genuinely excited about Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes—the coziness of classic Sloppy Joes, the decadence of Alfredo, and the joy of melted cheese all in one bite! Treat yourself and your crew to this irresistible twist; I promise, this recipe is bound to become a new comfort food favorite you’ll be itching to make again and again.

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