Introduction
When it comes to mixing comfort food with a fun twist, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are a perfect blend of creamy indulgence and hearty satisfaction. I first made these for my family on a chilly evening, and they were an instant hit. The familiar flavors of chicken Alfredo, typically served over pasta, transformed into a messy, savory sandwich, making for a satisfying dinner. Everyone loved the combination of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and the toasted buns that held everything together. If you’re craving a simple, yet indulgent meal, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 Sloppy Joe buns, split and toasted
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the Alfredo sauce mixture until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the chicken mixture is simmering, toast the Sloppy Joe buns. Slice the buns in half and toast them lightly on a skillet or in a toaster until they are golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Once the buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top it with the other half of the bun, pressing down slightly to hold the sandwich together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes immediately while warm. They’re best enjoyed with a side of crispy fries, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 550
- Total Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 34g
Preparation Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes warm.
- Pair with crispy potato fries or potato wedges for a comforting side.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sandwich.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a nutritious addition.
- For a lighter version, try using whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional Sloppy Joe buns.
Additional Tips
- Use lean ground chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, using lean ground chicken will reduce the fat content without compromising the flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for some extra heat.
- Use homemade Alfredo sauce: If you’re feeling ambitious, swap the store-bought Alfredo sauce for homemade, adding a richer, creamier texture to the dish.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more heavy cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Try different buns: While classic Sloppy Joe buns work well, feel free to experiment with brioche or toasted garlic bread for a twist.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the protein: Instead of ground chicken, you can use ground turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms, tofu, or a blend of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers in place of the chicken for a vegetarian take.
- Spicy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the Alfredo mixture for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Pair your Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy French fries, potato wedges, or even sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
- Healthy Add-ons: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a simple cucumber salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Refreshing Drinks: Serve with chilled lemonade, iced tea, or a sparkling water to balance the richness of the meal.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers, Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes can be stored for later. Allow the chicken Alfredo mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
For long-term storage, freeze the chicken Alfredo mixture (without the buns) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop. Toast fresh buns when you’re ready to serve.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works great for this recipe and helps save time. You can use any brand you like or even make your own homemade sauce. - Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. - Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken Alfredo mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to assemble the Sloppy Joes. - What can I use instead of Sloppy Joe buns?
You can use any soft sandwich bun, like brioche or hamburger buns, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. - How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the Alfredo sauce for a spicier version. - Can I freeze the chicken Alfredo mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken Alfredo mixture for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it when ready to serve. - How do I make homemade Alfredo sauce?
To make homemade Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a pan, add heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then simmer until the sauce thickens. - Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! Ground beef or even ground pork would work well in this recipe. You can also try plant-based meat alternatives. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use dairy-free Alfredo sauce for a dairy-free version. - How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use lean ground chicken, reduce the amount of butter, and substitute heavy cream with milk or a lower-fat cream alternative.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are a delicious and fun twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, they’re a meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. So, next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!