Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Forget everything you thought you knew about sloppy joes because this isn’t your grandma’s recipe (unless your grandma is a culinary genius, of course!). We’re taking the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic sloppy joe and giving it a creamy, decadent twist with the rich indulgence of chicken alfredo.

While the exact origins of the traditional sloppy joe are debated, its roots are firmly planted in American comfort food, offering a quick, easy, and satisfying meal for families on the go. But who says we can’t elevate a classic? This Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes recipe does just that, blending the best of both worlds. Think of it as a culinary mashup that’s both unexpected and utterly delicious.

People adore this dish because it’s the ultimate comfort food experience. The savory, slightly sweet sloppy joe base is perfectly complemented by the creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce and tender chicken. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience sloppy joes like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 hamburger buns, split
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to create the heart of our Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes – the flavorful chicken mixture. This part is all about building layers of deliciousness, so follow along carefully!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because softened onions release their sweetness and create a fantastic base for the entire dish. Don’t rush it!
2. Brown the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Make sure there are no pink bits left. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy Sloppy Joes!
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to combine and coat the chicken evenly with the spices. This is where the magic happens – the spices really bring the chicken to life!
4. Simmer in Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a richer and more complex taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cheese is melted and incorporated. The cream and Parmesan add a luxurious richness and creaminess that takes these Sloppy Joes to the next level.
6. Season to Taste: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little salt and pepper and then add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Making the Alfredo Sauce

Now, let’s move on to the Alfredo sauce. This is what transforms our Sloppy Joes from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than you think!

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t burn.
2. Whisk in the Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux is the base of our Alfredo sauce, and it helps to thicken it. Cook it long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown.
3. Gradually Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure to whisk out any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Adding the milk gradually is key to preventing lumps.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season the Alfredo Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, start with a little and add more as needed.

Combining the Chicken and Alfredo Sauce

This is where the magic really happens! We’re going to combine the chicken mixture and the Alfredo sauce to create the ultimate Sloppy Joe filling.

1. Pour Alfredo Sauce into Chicken Mixture: Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Continue to simmer the mixture for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together even further. This step is important because it allows the Alfredo sauce to fully infuse the chicken mixture with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
3. Adjust Consistency (If Needed): If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can continue to simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.

Assembling the Sloppy Joes

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes and get ready to enjoy them.

1. Toast the Buns (Optional): If you like, you can lightly toast the hamburger buns. Toasting the buns will help prevent them from getting soggy from the Sloppy Joe filling.
2. Spoon the Filling onto the Buns: Spoon a generous amount of the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joe filling onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Don’t be shy – these are Sloppy Joes, after all!
3. Top with Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese over the filling, if desired. This adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
4. Garnish with Parsley (Optional): Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes immediately and enjoy! These are best served warm, so don’t let them sit for too long.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken mixture, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use Different Cheese: You can substitute other cheeses for the Parmesan cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Serve with Sides: Serve these Sloppy Joes with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or french fries.
• Make it Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! My take on Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes. I know, I know, it sounds a little wild, but trust me on this one. This recipe is a must-try because it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup. We’re talking the creamy, cheesy goodness of chicken alfredo colliding head-on with the messy, satisfying fun of a sloppy joe. It’s unexpected, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest eaters!

What makes these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the alfredo sauce is cut through by the slight tang of the tomato paste, and the tender chicken provides a hearty base. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend lunch.

But the best part? It’s totally customizable! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the alfredo sauce. If you’re a fan of veggies, sauté some mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers and stir them into the chicken mixture. Want to lighten it up a bit? Use a lighter alfredo sauce or substitute ground turkey for the chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions: These Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes are fantastic served on toasted brioche buns, but you can also get creative with your serving options. Try them on slider buns for a party appetizer, or spoon them over pasta for a deconstructed alfredo experience. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some roasted vegetables. And don’t forget the napkins – things are about to get deliciously messy!

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: Use slices of garlic bread as the base for your sloppy joes for an extra garlicky kick.
• Pizza Sloppy Joes: Add some mozzarella cheese and pepperoni to the chicken mixture for a pizza-inspired twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes: Toss the cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce before adding it to the alfredo sauce for a spicy and tangy flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe that these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes will become a new family favorite. They’re the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create something amazing.

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on my social media pages using #ChickenAlfredoSloppyJoes. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

Don’t be afraid to get a little messy and have some fun in the kitchen. After all, that’s what cooking is all about! Enjoy!