Craving a Philly cheesesteak but want to switch things up? Try this delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe! This dish takes the iconic flavors of a classic cheesesteak and substitutes the traditional beef with juicy, seasoned chicken. It's a mouthwatering sandwich filled with tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey melted cheese, all stuffed into a toasted hoagie roll. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and serving suggestions to make this chicken cheesesteak a new favorite in your household.
What is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?
A Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a variation of the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese. In this version, tender chicken replaces the beef, while the sandwich still retains its signature flavors thanks to the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese. Serve it in a soft hoagie or sub roll for a delicious, satisfying sandwich that’s a bit lighter than the original but just as flavorful.
Ingredients List for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak at home:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or your choice of cheese like American or Cheez Whiz)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- Butter, for toasting the rolls
Substitutions and Variations
The Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is super versatile, and you can easily switch up the ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or thinly slice it.
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use American cheese, mozzarella, or Cheez Whiz for a more traditional Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Vegetables: Swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, banana peppers, or even jalapeños for some spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls or lettuce wraps for a low-carb or gluten-free version of this sandwich.
- Spices: Feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like your sandwich with a bit of a kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now let’s walk through how to make a delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak. It’s a quick and easy process that’ll get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Thinly slice or cube the chicken: Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning over the sliced chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed, and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Add Worcestershire sauce in the last couple of minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat to medium and return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Arrange the mixture into four sections in the skillet (for each sandwich).
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Place one or two slices of provolone cheese on top of each section of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Allow the cheese to melt for 1-2 minutes, covering the skillet with a lid if necessary to speed up the melting process.
Step 6: Toast the Hoagie Rolls
- While the cheese is melting, butter the inside of the hoagie rolls and toast them in a separate skillet or in the oven under the broiler until golden brown.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Once the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted, use a spatula to carefully transfer each portion of cheesy chicken and vegetables into the toasted hoagie rolls.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve your Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra sautéed vegetables. Enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak turns out perfect every time, here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! The Worcestershire sauce and spices add tons of flavor to the chicken, so make sure to season generously.
- Skipping the toasting: Toasting the hoagie rolls ensures they don’t get soggy from the juicy chicken and veggies. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch to the sandwich.
- Using too much oil: Since you’re already using a buttery cheese and Worcestershire sauce, be careful not to add too much oil to the skillet, or the sandwich can become greasy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, here are a few ways to serve and present your dish to make it extra special:
How to Serve Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks
- Family-Style: Serve the cooked chicken and veggies in a large bowl with the toasted hoagie rolls on the side. Let everyone build their own sandwiches.
- Individual Portions: Serve each sandwich already assembled with extra sautéed veggies on the side.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks
- Slice in Half: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally for an easy-to-eat, visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with Herbs: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your sandwich with a side of crispy French fries, potato chips, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it and assemble the sandwiches.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, freeze the cooked chicken and veggie filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving in freshly toasted rolls.
- Spice It Up: For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken while it cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), shred it and heat it up in the skillet with the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Then follow the recipe as usual.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply skip the cheese. The sandwich will still be flavorful thanks to the sautéed vegetables and seasoned chicken.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms add a delicious depth of flavor to the sandwich. Just sauté them with the peppers and onions until tender.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free hoagie rolls or wraps. Double-check that the Worcestershire sauce you’re using is gluten-free as well.
Q: What type of cheese is best for Philly cheesesteaks?
A: Provolone is the most common cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, but American cheese and Cheez Whiz are also popular choices. Feel free to use your favorite!
Conclusion
This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a fantastic twist on the classic cheesesteak, offering a lighter but equally flavorful option. With tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese all tucked into a toasted hoagie roll, it’s a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or whipping up a quick lunch, this recipe will be a hit. Give it a try today, and enjoy the bold, cheesy flavors in every bite!
PrintChicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a flavorful spin on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring tender sliced chicken breast, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and gooey melted provolone or American cheese. Piled into a soft hoagie roll, this easy sandwich makes for a perfect lunch or dinner. Simple, delicious, and loaded with flavor, it’s a great way to enjoy the iconic cheesesteak in a lighter version!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup provolone or American cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Optional: mayonnaise or ketchup for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Return the peppers and onions to the skillet with the chicken, and stir to combine.
- Place slices of provolone cheese over the chicken mixture and allow it to melt. Stir gently to combine.
- Toast the hoagie rolls and spread with mayonnaise or ketchup if desired. Pile the cheesy chicken mixture into the rolls.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- For added flavor, use sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños.
- Use a combination of cheeses like provolone and cheddar for a cheesier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
Leave a Reply