Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are a cozy, satisfying twist on the traditional sandwich. They combine all the flavors of classic Alfredo—creamy sauce, garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken—inside a warm bun. They’re ready in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or game-day gatherings. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with soft sandwich rolls or toasted garlic bread, turning a simple meal into something that feels restaurant-worthy.
Easy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: Comfort Food with a Creamy Twist
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Easy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic sandwich. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a rich Alfredo sauce, piled high on toasted buns, and topped with melty mozzarella — a quick and comforting dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche rolls
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the sauce and mix until evenly coated and heated through.
- In a separate skillet or on a griddle, lightly butter or oil the buns and toast until golden brown.
- Spoon the creamy chicken mixture onto the toasted buns. Top with extra mozzarella if desired and allow it to melt slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time for a quick weeknight meal.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it extra cheesy, broil the assembled sandwiches for 1–2 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a side of garlic green beans, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Shredded Chicken: A great use for rotisserie chicken or leftovers. Tender and flavorful, it soaks up the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Butter: Forms the rich base of the Alfredo sauce and adds that signature silky texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings out deep, savory flavor in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The creamy backbone of the Alfredo—rich and luscious.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly over the sandwiches for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbal note that ties everything together.
Sandwich Buns or Rolls: Soft, buttery buns work best for holding the creamy filling.
Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving.
Olive Oil or Butter (for toasting): Helps crisp up the buns for that irresistible golden crunch.
Directions
- Prepare the sauce base. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cream. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheese. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in the chicken. Add shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring until fully coated in the Alfredo sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Toast the buns. Lightly brush the buns with butter or olive oil and toast them on a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Top with shredded mozzarella and cover with the top bun.
- Optional step: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking time is 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Toast buns fresh before serving for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Chicken Alfredo Joes
Add crispy crumbled bacon to the filling for smoky, savory flavor.
Spinach Alfredo Joes
Stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted for a touch of color and nutrition.
Mushroom Alfredo Joes
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth and heartiness.
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo
Mix in a dash of hot sauce or buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick.
Garlic Bread Bun Version
Use garlic Texas toast instead of regular buns for extra flavor.
Broccoli Alfredo Joes
Fold in steamed broccoli florets for a balanced, veggie-packed version.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Joes
Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
Cheesy Alfredo Melt
Top with extra mozzarella and bake open-faced for a bubbly, toasted finish.
Turkey Alfredo Joes
Swap chicken for shredded turkey—perfect for using up holiday leftovers.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the filling over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of bread.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! Just heat it up and mix with shredded chicken for a quicker version.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to thicken it.
3. What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is easiest, but grilled or poached chicken also works great.
4. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, store the cooked filling in the fridge and reheat just before assembling.
5. What kind of buns are best?
Brioche or potato rolls hold the sauce well and have great flavor.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers.
7. Can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the Alfredo sauce.
8. How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
9. Can I make these open-faced?
Yes, serve on toasted bread slices and broil for 2 minutes for an easy melt.
10. Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, freeze the Alfredo chicken in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat with a splash of cream.
Conclusion
These Easy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes turn classic comfort food into something new and irresistible. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re a delightful twist on the traditional Sloppy Joe—rich like pasta Alfredo, but handheld and fun to eat. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless, these sandwiches will quickly become a staple at your dinner table. One bite, and you’ll never look at Sloppy Joes the same way again.
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