If you love the messy goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe but wish it could wear a fancier outfit, these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are about to become your new weeknight hero. Picture tender ground chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and toasty buns you’ll want to grab with both hands. Dinner is served, and no one’s going hungry tonight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Family-friendly (even picky eaters tend to lick their fingers).
- Feels a little fancy but keeps the comfort food vibes.
And let’s be honest—there’s just something fun about food that’s meant to be a little messy.
What Do Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Taste Like?
Think of your favorite Alfredo pasta—rich, garlicky, cheesy—and then imagine it cozied up between two toasted buns. That’s the magic here. The ground chicken soaks up all the creamy sauce, and the Parmesan gives every bite that salty, nutty punch. It’s hearty but not heavy, comforting without being boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
One of the things I love most about this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes recipe is how it takes simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into something that feels indulgent. No hard-to-find items here—just a few pantry and fridge staples that come together in the creamiest, cheesiest way. Let’s break it down:
- Ground chicken (1 pound) – The heart of the recipe. It’s leaner than beef but still hearty, and it absorbs the Alfredo sauce beautifully. Ground chicken gives this Sloppy Joe a lighter feel, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort without feeling overly heavy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – A touch of good olive oil helps the onions and garlic release their sweetness. You can also use butter for extra richness if you’re in the mood.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – Onion adds that sweet, savory base flavor we all know and love. I like using yellow onion for its balance, but white onion works too.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Garlic is non-negotiable in Alfredo sauce. It brings depth and that unmistakable aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – The secret to a silky, luscious Alfredo sauce. If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated) – Freshly grated Parmesan is best here; it melts smoother and gives the sauce that nutty, salty edge. Skip the shaker-style cheese if you can—it just doesn’t melt the same way.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that gives the sauce a subtle herbal lift. If you prefer, you can swap in fresh herbs.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Simple but essential for balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Hamburger buns (4, toasted) – Toasting the buns is key! It helps them hold up to all that creamy filling. You can use brioche buns if you want to make these even more decadent.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up every bite.
If you’re looking for other creamy chicken dinners made with simple ingredients, check out my creamy herb chicken basmati rice. It has a similar comfort-food vibe and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, just like these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes (Step by Step)
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s ready in about 30 minutes—making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Follow these step-by-step directions, and you’ll have creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes on the table before anyone has the chance to say “What’s for dinner?”
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye here—garlic can burn quickly, and burnt garlic turns bitter. You just want it fragrant.
This step creates the base layer of flavor for your Alfredo mixture, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks.
- Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.
The beauty of using ground chicken is how well it soaks up the flavors you add. Think of it as a sponge for all that creamy Alfredo goodness to come.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it into the chicken mixture.
- Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce. This should take 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce feels a little too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or even water to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency.
This is where the magic happens—the Alfredo sauce clings to every piece of chicken, making every bite rich and flavorful. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta-style dishes, you’ll also love my spaghetti squash Alfredo.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- While the sauce is finishing up, lightly toast your hamburger buns. You can do this in a toaster, in the oven, or on a hot skillet with just a dab of butter.
- Toasting is key—it keeps the buns from getting soggy under all that delicious Alfredo mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Spoon a generous portion of the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan if you’d like to double down on the cheesiness.
- Place the top bun over the filling, and you’ve got yourself a Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joe that’s ready to eat.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Arrange the sandwiches on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of freshness.
- Pair your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with fries, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Pro tip: Serve them right away while the sauce is hot and creamy—it’s the kind of meal where no one minds grabbing extra napkins.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Toast the buns—trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Don’t rush the sauce. Let the Parmesan melt slowly for that silky finish.
- Spice it up—add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Go lighter—swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a leaner version.
- Cheese swap—mozzarella or cream cheese gives a fun twist.
Storage
- Keep leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before spooning onto fresh toasted buns.
- Pro tip: Store buns separately so they don’t get soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the filling in advance, then reheat and assemble when you’re ready.
What sides go well with this recipe?
Crispy fries, roasted veggies, or even a light green salad balance the richness.
Can I freeze the mixture?
Absolutely. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, handheld dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. So grab some napkins, gather around the table, and let the messy, happy bites begin.
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Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: Creamy Comfort in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a creamy and savory twist on a classic favorite with these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes. Ground chicken is cooked with onions and garlic, then enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce and served on toasted hamburger buns for a deliciously satisfying meal.
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. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken and onion mixture.
5. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Toast the hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or toaster, if desired.
8. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Place the assembled sloppy joes on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
10. Serve warm with fries, salad, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For added nutrition, sauté chopped bell peppers or spinach with the onions.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative for a lighter version.
- Experiment with mozzarella or cream cheese for a unique flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping buns separate. Reheat gently and reassemble before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes, creamy sloppy joes, ground chicken recipe, quick dinner
