Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks are a tasty twist on the classic sandwich! They’re packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and colorful peppers, all piled high in a warm roll.
I love making these on a busy weeknight! Just sauté everything together, and in no time, you have a delicious meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. If you want something different, consider turkey breast or even a rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper, whether red, green, or yellow. I like using a mix for a more colorful dish. If you don’t have bell peppers, try using sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
Onions: Choose yellow or white onions for a sweeter taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet onions like Vidalia are great. You can skip onions if you’re not a fan or substitute with shallots.
Cheese: Provolone gives a nice melting quality, but Swiss or mozzarella are good alternatives. If you want a sharper taste, try cheddar. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Hoagie Rolls: Soft hoagie rolls are classic, but you can use any sturdy bread, like ciabatta or French bread. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free rolls.
How Do You Cook Chicken So It Stays Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken right is key to a delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steak. Follow these tips for juicy results:
- Slice the chicken thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Thin strips reduce the risk of drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed. This helps the chicken sear properly.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without overdoing it.
What’s the Trick for Perfectly Cooked Onions and Peppers?
For sweet, caramelized onions and tender peppers, follow these steps:
- Cook them on medium heat; too high can burn them quickly. You want slow, even cooking.
- Stir occasionally, but not too often! Let them sit for a minute to develop those tasty brown bits.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and lift flavors up!
How to Make Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. You’ll have delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking them until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir everything together and heat through for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the flavors blend nicely.
4. Prepare for Broiling:
Now, preheat your oven broiler. Split the hoagie rolls open and lay them on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the chicken and vegetable mixture among the rolls, then top each one with 2 slices of provolone cheese, covering the filling generously.
5. Broil the Sandwiches:
Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a minute or so. Serve with hot sauce on the side if you like a little extra kick. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef, turkey, or even cooked sausage. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the meat you’re using; for beef, make sure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Hoagie Rolls?
No worries! You can use any type of bread you like, such as baguettes, sandwich bread, or even wrap the filling in tortillas for a tasty chicken philly wrap. Just keep an eye on the broiling time as different breads may cook differently.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the bread from getting soggy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with portobello mushrooms, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just sauté them in the same way as you would the chicken for a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.
