Crispy toasted brioche, a creamy, savory sauce clinging to tender shredded chicken – these Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes deliver a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s a delightful twist on the classic sloppy joe, swapping out the traditional tomato-based sauce for a rich and decadent homemade alfredo.
What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of richness and savory notes. The parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami punch, while the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that elevates the alfredo. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option; quick enough to whip up after a long day, but satisfying enough to feel like a real treat.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A fun and delicious twist on traditional sloppy joes.
- The homemade alfredo sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- These chicken alfredo sloppy joes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Easily customizable to your liking (add red pepper flakes for a kick!).
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best for the most intense flavor.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: This adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 brioche hamburger buns, toasted: Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness, but any sturdy hamburger bun will work.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Chicken alfredo sloppy joes makes every moment feel energetic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the chicken alfredo mixture onto the toasted brioche buns. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it will dry out when reheated in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Toast the buns just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy fries. For a lighter meal, you could serve them open-faced on toasted baguette slices. They also go great with something like this jalapeno popper cheese ball as an appetizer. And if you need a dessert option, this Brazilian coconut chicken would be a nice complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken alfredo mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It is best to store the buns separately and toast them when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this? The alfredo sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it is still safe to eat. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the buns.
- Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese? Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and make the alfredo sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
These Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The creamy alfredo sauce perfectly complements the tender shredded chicken, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
Imagine the comforting flavors of chicken alfredo, but in a fun, hand-held form! These Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup. Tender shredded chicken is smothered in a luscious, homemade alfredo sauce, then piled high on toasted brioche buns. This recipe delivers a creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying experience that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. The rich alfredo complements the juicy chicken, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Get ready to ditch the traditional sloppy joe and embrace this delicious upgrade!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 brioche hamburger buns, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the chicken alfredo mixture onto the toasted brioche buns. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce for a little heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg