Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 2, 2025

Featured in: Dinner

Imagine the creamy decadence of classic chicken Alfredo transformed into a fun, family-friendly sandwich. Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes combine tender ground chicken coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, layered with fresh spinach and gooey melted mozzarella on soft hamburger buns—bringing comfort food flavors to an exciting new level.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, offering creamy richness with a touch of green freshness. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that elevates the sauce, while the broiled cheese topping creates an irresistible finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines creamy Alfredo flavors with the casual joy of sloppy joes for a fresh twist.
Quick and beginner-friendly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Includes fresh spinach to add vibrant color and a healthy boost to every bite.
Versatile and customizable with options for spice adjustments or leaner meats.

Ingredients

Ground chicken (1 pound): Lean poultry providing tender protein, the base of this creamy, flavorful sandwich filling.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté onions and garlic, adds a light fruity note with a healthy fat source.
Small onion, finely chopped (1): Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce when softened and caramelized.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Adds a fragrant, aromatic punch that complements the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich and velvety base of the Alfredo sauce, enhancing the chicken mixture’s indulgence.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): Offers sharp, nutty flavor and smooth texture when melted into the sauce.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice that warms and balances the creaminess without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance and bring out the flavors evenly.
Hamburger buns (4): Soft, toasted buns that hold the saucy filling and provide a pleasant bite.
Fresh spinach leaves (1 cup): Adds a mild earthiness and fresh green crunch as a topping inside the sandwich.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully to crown the sandwich with gooey, stringy cheesy goodness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A bright garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal to each serving.

Instructions

Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cooking until onions turn translucent softens their sharpness and releases fragrant aromas, setting a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and stir continuously until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking up any clumps. Browning develops deeper taste and ensures a savory, tender meat mixture.
Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream to gently heat and coat the cooked chicken in a rich, silky base.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese Gradually: Slowly add grated Parmesan to the skillet, stirring constantly to melt it evenly and avoid clumping. This step creates a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce infused with the sharp, nutty flavors of Parmesan cheese.
Season Sauce and Thicken: Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate fully. Let the mixture cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly, which helps the sauce cling perfectly to the chicken.
Toast Hamburger Buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler and split the hamburger buns. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp, adding textural contrast to the sandwich.
Build Sandwich with Spinach Leaf Layer: Lay fresh spinach leaves evenly across the bottom half of each toasted bun. The spinach adds a refreshing earthiness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Add Chicken Alfredo Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture over the spinach on each bun. Ensuring a hearty portion creates a satisfying bite every time.
Top with Mozzarella and Broil: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly atop the chicken mixture, then return the sandwiches under the broiler for another 1–2 minutes. Broiling melts and browns the cheese until bubbly and irresistible.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color. Close with the top bun, serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious melding of creamy Alfredo and sloppy joe goodness.

You Must Know

Fresh spinach enhances both flavor and nutritional value; avoid using frozen spinach to maintain texture.
Substituting ground turkey offers a leaner protein alternative without sacrificing taste.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes when seasoning to bring subtle heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best quality.

Storage Tips

Allow leftover chicken Alfredo filling to cool completely before packing it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain creamy texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Chicken Alfredo Sloppy Joes alongside a crisp, green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the sandwich. A lightly dressed Caesar or mixed garden salad complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Professional Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
To avoid a runny sauce, simmer gently when thickening and avoid boiling to keep cream from separating.
Broil buns and cheese under close watch to achieve a perfect golden finish without burning.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats instead of chicken?: Yes, ground turkey or lean pork work well and can be substituted for ground chicken with similar cooking times.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: The cooked filling can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months, but buns are best toasted fresh to maintain texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?: Add crushed red pepper flakes during the seasoning step or sprinkle chili powder for a mild smoky heat boost.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?: Heavy cream is recommended for richness and texture, but whole milk with a bit of butter can be used as a lighter alternative though the sauce will be less creamy.
What type of Parmesan works best?: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano yields the best flavor and melting quality, enhancing the sauce’s richness significantly.
How can I add more vegetables to the sandwich?: Try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers mixed into the chicken Alfredo for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo chicken mixture a day ahead and reheat gently before assembling and broiling the sandwiches.