Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
If you love the idea of a classic sloppy joe but want something creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken, these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are your next go-to comfort food. Instead of the traditional tomato-based sauce, this version uses a rich Alfredo sauce combined with shredded or diced chicken, creating a velvety filling that’s perfect for sandwich buns, sliders, or even over pasta.
Quick, easy, and family-friendly, these sloppy joes are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend treat. With simple ingredients and a minimal cooking time, you can have a comforting, indulgent meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
1. Creamy and cheesy
The combination of cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella gives a rich, indulgent flavor without being heavy.
2. Quick and easy
Perfect for busy weeknights — from prep to plate in about 25–30 minutes.
3. Family-friendly
Even picky eaters love the creamy texture and familiar flavors.
4. Versatile
Serve on sandwich buns, slider rolls, over pasta, or even stuffed into baked potatoes.
5. Customizable
Add vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
6. Make-ahead friendly
The filling can be prepared in advance and reheated, making dinner time even easier.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4–6 sandwich buns or slider rolls
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, extra mozzarella, or crispy breadcrumbs
Optional Add-ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
- Red pepper flakes for a mild kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred with two forks.
Place shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl or leave it in the skillet for the sauce step.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Tip: For a richer sauce, add a little extra Parmesan or a splash of milk to adjust consistency.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat evenly, ensuring every piece is covered in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Split the sandwich buns or slider rolls in half. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top with additional cheese or parsley if desired, then place the top bun over the filling.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Extra Meltiness
For an extra indulgent touch, place assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the top cheese and slightly toast the buns. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with a side of fries, salad, or roasted vegetables. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with a crisp side to balance the richness.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes
- Use cooked chicken
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but leftover roasted chicken works perfectly too. - Don’t overheat the sauce
Too high a temperature can cause the cream to separate. Keep it on medium-low and stir frequently. - Customize your cheese
Mozzarella gives stretchiness; Parmesan adds sharpness. You can mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor. - Add veggies for nutrition
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend seamlessly into the creamy filling. - Adjust thickness
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes to thicken. Too thick? Add a splash of milk or cream.
Flavor Variations
Savory Twists
- Bacon Chicken Alfredo: Stir in crispy cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
- Pesto Chicken Alfredo: Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to the sauce before combining with chicken.
- Spicy Alfredo Chicken: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Kid-Friendly Options
- Keep it simple with just chicken and cheese.
- Use slider rolls for smaller portions perfect for little hands.
Gluten-Free Version
- Swap sandwich buns for gluten-free rolls or serve over gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken Alfredo sloppy joes are delicious served with:
- Garlic roasted broccoli or green beans
- French fries, sweet potato fries, or oven-baked potato wedges
- Caesar salad or garden salad for a lighter option
- Crispy pickles on the side for tangy crunch
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store leftover chicken Alfredo mixture in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezer:
The filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: Assemble sandwiches fresh — freezing already assembled sandwiches can make the buns soggy.
Make-Ahead Option
You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and refrigerate it.
When ready, warm gently and assemble sandwiches for a quick dinner.
This also works well for meal prep — portion the filling into containers with buns stored separately.
Troubleshooting
Sauce too thick:
Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating.
Sauce too thin:
Simmer a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Cheese clumping:
Add gradually to warm sauce and stir continuously to prevent clumping.
Sandwiches soggy:
Toast buns lightly before adding the filling or serve sauce on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cream, cheese, and butter alternatives.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, the filling freezes well, but assemble sandwiches fresh.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely — add crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or cayenne to taste.
Can I serve over pasta instead of buns?
Yes — this is essentially a creamy chicken Alfredo filling that works perfectly over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per sandwich)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works
The creamy Alfredo sauce transforms traditional sloppy joes into a luxurious, comforting meal. Chicken provides lean protein while the cheeses create richness and flavor that both kids and adults adore.
Using pre-cooked chicken and a simple skillet method makes this recipe quick enough for a busy weeknight while still feeling indulgent and homemade.
Tips for Customizing Your Sloppy Joe Routine
- Create a slider platter:
Perfect for parties — serve mini Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes with various toppings and sides. - Add fresh herbs:
Parsley, basil, or chives brighten the flavor and cut through richness. - Mix proteins:
Combine chicken and cooked sausage for a hearty version. - Use different cheeses:
Fontina, provolone, or smoked mozzarella give different flavor profiles. - Make it lighter:
Serve the creamy chicken over roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. They elevate a classic comfort food into something indulgent yet simple to make.
Whether served on buns, over pasta, or as part of a meal prep plan, they’re versatile, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious — these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for cozy dinners.
Homemade comfort food has never been this creamy or satisfying.