If you’re craving a comforting sandwich that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness yet easy enough for any weeknight, then this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a luscious Alfredo sauce, kissed with Parmesan and Italian herbs, all piled high inside a tender, buttery bun. It’s a fresh twist on sloppy joes that brings together the rich flavors of Italian creaminess with classic American sandwich vibes. Once you make this, it’ll quickly become a go-to for when you want something satisfying, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. The list is wonderfully simple, but each component brings something special to the table, from the sweetness of diced onions to the rich, melty goodness of Alfredo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Adds a mild crunch and a slightly sweet flavor to complement the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a delightful aroma and a burst of savory depth.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached): The hearty star ingredient, perfectly tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): The creamy, cheesy heart of the dish that makes every bite indulgent.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes that deepen the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and highlighting the dish’s richness.
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns: Soft, buttery carriers perfect for holding all that saucy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns): Adds a golden, crispy finish that takes the sandwich to the next level.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of fresh color and brightness to brighten every bite.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and cook gently until they soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This step develops a sweet, mellow base. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook just long enough—about 30 seconds—for its fragrance to bloom without burning. This combo lays down that irresistible aroma that signals something delicious is underway.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Next, add your shredded cooked chicken right into the skillet with those softened, fragrant aromatics. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning, and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens just enough. Taste it, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. That creamy chicken filling is what dreams are made of—comfort in every spoonful.
Step 3: Toast the Buns (Optional but Recommended)
While the filling simmers, you can elevate your sandwich by lightly buttering the sandwich buns and toasting them on a skillet or griddle until golden brown. This step isn’t just for looks—it adds crunch and warmth, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy chicken mixture.
Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Spoon a generous portion of the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of brightness and color. Top with the other half of the bun and get ready for an unforgettable bite. These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately while warm and gooey.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brings a little garden-fresh pop to this creamy dish, but don’t be shy around adding slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese melted on top for extra cheesiness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also gives a surprising and nice kick that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, pair these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for color and crunch. Garlic Parmesan fries or a simple bowl of steamed broccoli also make excellent companions to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a fun twist, serve this filling open-faced on toasted baguette slices with a sprinkle of fresh basil. You can even turn it into a casserole by layering the creamy chicken over cooked pasta, then topping with breadcrumbs and baking until bubbly and golden. The versatility of the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe really lets your creativity shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken Alfredo mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have a chance to deepen, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the original meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this filling freezes well for up to 2 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals. Toast fresh buns right before serving to recapture that signature crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce can add a fresh, buttery richness that’s truly sensational, and it allows you to control the seasoning perfectly. Either way works beautifully in this recipe.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and flavor, but poached chicken or even leftover cooked chicken breast works wonderfully. The key is tender, shredded chicken that soaks up the sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The creamy texture and familiar flavors appeal to picky eaters, and you can always customize the seasoning or omit any optional spicy garnishes to keep it mild and approachable for little ones.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers blend nicely into the creamy mixture, adding texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for cooked mushrooms, chickpeas, or shredded jackfruit and keep the Alfredo sauce base. This way, you still get that indulgent creamy flavor with a satisfying meatless twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for any night of the week. The creamy sauce embracing tender chicken, combined with the cozy bun, creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to do sloppy joes with a deliciously creamy twist.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Tender shredded chicken is combined with rich Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, served on buttery toasted buns. It’s a perfect, comforting weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Buns & Garnish
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche buns
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken and sauce: Add the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the mixture: Let the chicken Alfredo mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Toast buns (optional): If desired, lightly butter the sandwich buns and toast them on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden brown for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using, and cover with the top half of the bun.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture before serving.
- You can boost nutrition and add texture by mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the chicken filling.
