If you love the cozy comfort of a classic Sloppy Joe but crave something a little more indulgent and creamy, you are in for a treat with this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe. Imagine tender ground chicken smothered in a luscious Alfredo sauce, flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning, then piled onto perfectly toasted buns. This dish takes the familiar into something delightfully unexpected, merging creamy Italian flavors with the casual heartiness of a Sloppy Joe. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a weekend gathering with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting meal full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground chicken providing protein and substance, to the creamy Alfredo sauce and aromatic garlic that make the dish irresistibly tasty.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean, tender protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps brown the chicken evenly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances the sauce with velvety smoothness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that defines the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce: The heart of this dish’s flavor, bringing cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect mix of herbs that adds warmth and an earthy note to balance the creaminess.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the dish.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
- 4 Sloppy Joe buns, split and toasted: Lightly crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for holding all the saucy chicken.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula so nothing is left in big clumps. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through—this should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside; this keeps it warm while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet used for the chicken, which will have some of those delicious browned bits left behind. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Pour in the heavy cream followed by the Alfredo sauce, stirring constantly until everything blends into a smooth, creamy mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to introduce a depth of flavor that will tie everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your velvety Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to make sure every bit of chicken is enveloped in that creamy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste, then let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the chicken heats through again.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the chicken mixture is finishing up, prepare your Sloppy Joe buns. Slice each bun in half and toast them either in a toaster or on a dry skillet until they turn golden brown and develop just a little crisp on the edges. This step adds texture and prevents sogginess when you add the creamy chicken on top.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Now for the fun part: spoon a generous portion of your creamy chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Press the top bun lightly over the filling to keep everything contained without squishing the softness of the sandwich. Each bite will be a perfect balance of creamy, savory filling and toasty bread.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these wonderful Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes right away while warm, letting everyone dive straight into this comforting, creamy sandwich experience. They pair wonderfully with golden fries, crisp potato wedges, or a simple green salad to contrast the richness.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can amp up the cheesy goodness even more, while a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds some pleasant heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy fries or potato wedges for that satisfying crunch. For a lighter balance, a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint that complements the rich creamy chicken so well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes open-faced on a sturdy toasted bun to showcase the creamy chicken topping and garnish. You could also offer sliders as party bites, using small buns and stacking them high for a fun, shareable presentation. Another fun option is to pile the chicken mixture over toasted garlic bread for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe, store the chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns stored separately at room temperature or lightly wrapped to maintain their texture.
Freezing
The creamy chicken mixture freezes well if you want to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed or refrigerated chicken mixture gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Toast fresh buns before assembling for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is great for a lighter take, ground turkey or even lean ground beef can work just as well if you prefer a different protein. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Make the chicken mixture ahead, store it properly as described, and assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Definitely. While using a jarred Alfredo sauce speeds things up, making your own sauce with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will add an extra homemade touch if you have a little more time.
What type of buns work best?
Soft sandwich or hamburger buns, like classic Sloppy Joe buns, are perfect for holding the creamy filling without falling apart. Make sure to toast them lightly to add a bit of sturdiness and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids usually love the creamy, cheesy flavors of Alfredo sauce combined with the familiar Sloppy Joe-style sandwich format. You can reduce seasoning or spice according to their tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something exciting, comforting, and downright delicious, this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s creamy, savory, quick to make, and perfect for sharing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
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Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes recipe combines the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce with savory ground chicken for a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. With a creamy garlic sauce, Italian seasoning, and toasted Sloppy Joe buns, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
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
To Serve
- 4 Sloppy Joe buns, split and toasted
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, breaking the chicken into small pieces, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and Alfredo sauce, stirring until smooth. Mix in Italian seasoning.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it completely with the Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Toast the Buns: While the chicken Alfredo mixture is heating, toast the Sloppy Joe buns by slicing them in half and toasting lightly 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 over the filling and press lightly to hold together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm. Pairs well with fries, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a low-fat Alfredo sauce.
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor and veggies.
- Toast the buns on a skillet with a little butter for added richness.
- Make sure to break up the chicken well to get a nice sloppy joe texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
