Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes bring together two comfort food favorites in one incredible sandwich. This creative fusion transforms the classic messy sandwich into a creamy, indulgent meal that’s surprisingly quick to make.
I stumbled upon this idea on a busy Tuesday when I had ground chicken thawing and a craving for something different. Instead of the usual tomato-based sloppy joe, I wondered what would happen if I went the Alfredo route. The result? Pure magic. The rich, creamy Parmesan sauce clings to the chicken perfectly, creating that signature sloppy joe messiness while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. It’s become one of those recipes I make when I want comfort food without the fuss, much like my Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes but with an Italian twist.
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Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
I always keep these simple ingredients on hand because they create such an impressive meal. The key is using freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind – it melts so much better and gives you that silky sauce texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream – I recommend using full-fat for the richest sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – my go-to brand is McCormick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche buns work beautifully here)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – in my experience, this adds a nice color contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking – it makes the process so much smoother.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see through the pieces slightly.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch it closely – burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep it moving in the pan.
Step 3: Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I like to break it into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce (about 2-3 minutes). If your sauce seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Step 6: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to make it perfect.
Step 7: Toast your hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or toaster for 2-3 minutes until golden. Spoon generous portions of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom buns, top with the other half, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
These rich, creamy sandwiches pair beautifully with lighter, crisp sides that balance the indulgence.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispy texture create a delightful contrast to the creamy Alfredo sauce while adding a nutritious element to your plate. Try my Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic Sauce for another sweet potato pairing idea.
Fresh Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds refreshing crunch to every bite.
Roasted Broccoli: The slight char and earthy flavor of roasted broccoli complements the creamy chicken perfectly while sneaking in some extra vegetables. If you love broccoli with creamy dishes, check out my Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with a bit of butter and garlic, these beans echo the Italian flavors in the sandwich while providing a tender, flavorful side.
Caesar Salad: Classic romaine with Caesar dressing and croutons ties into the Italian theme and adds that satisfying crunch factor.
Creamy Soup: Pair these sandwiches with Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Keeping It Fresh
Store the chicken Alfredo mixture separately from the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal. Discard if you notice any off odors or discoloration.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Toast fresh buns just before serving for the best texture.
This mixture also works wonderfully over pasta if you’re looking to switch things up. I sometimes make a double batch and use half for sandwiches and half tossed with penne for another quick dinner later in the week. For more creamy pasta inspiration, try my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well and provides a similar lean protein base. The flavor will be nearly identical.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Keep a small amount of chicken broth nearby while cooking. If your sauce thickens too much, simply stir in 1-2 tablespoons until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Prepare the chicken Alfredo mixture and store it separately from the buns. Reheat individual portions as needed throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the chicken mixture.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and taste to adjust seasonings.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or toaster for 2-3 minutes until golden. Spoon generous portions of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom buns, top with the other half, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
