Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks are tasty sandwiches filled with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies. They’re super easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy meal? I like to load mine up with extra peppers and onions for a little crunch. It’s a fun twist on the classic Philly and always satisfies! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey breast works great too. You could also use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
Bell Peppers: This recipe calls for two different colors of bell peppers for extra flavor and color. If you have only one type, that’s completely fine! Other great options are poblano or even thinly sliced zucchini for a twist.
Cheese: Provolone cheese adds a creamy meltiness. If you prefer something different, mozzarella or even cheddar can work. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free cheese options to enjoy the dish without concern.
Hoagie Rolls: Hoagie rolls are the classic choice, but you can use other types of bread like sub rolls or even burger buns. For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy substitute.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables to Perfection?
Getting your vegetables just right is key to a tasty Chicken Philly Cheese Steak. Sautéing onions and peppers transforms their flavors and adds depth. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the same skillet for flavor: After cooking the chicken, keep all those tasty bits left in the pan.
- Heat on medium: This helps cook the veggies evenly without burning.
- Add onions first: Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they start softening before adding peppers.
- Stir occasionally: This ensures even cooking and helps with caramelization.
- Cook until tender and slightly caramelized: About 5-7 minutes will do, and you’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden and smell amazing!
With this method, your veggies will be deliciously tender, making each bite more enjoyable!
How to Make Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese or cheese of choice
Optional Toppings:
- Mayonnaise
- Hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total, with around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll be cooking the chicken, sautéing the veggies, and assembling the sandwiches—all pretty quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken along with the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink inside and nicely cooked. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, toss in the sliced onions and both bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and start to get a nice golden caramelization. This will add great flavor!
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed onions and peppers. Give everything a good stir and let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat it all through and blend those delicious flavors.
4. Prepare the Hoagie Rolls:
While the chicken and veggies are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the hoagie rolls and slice them down the middle, but don’t cut through completely. Place them in a baking dish ready for the filling.
5. Assemble the Steaks:
Now it’s time to fill those rolls! Divide the chicken and veggie mixture evenly between the hoagie rolls. Place 2 slices of provolone cheese on top of each filled roll. Yum!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it to look super tasty!
7. Serve:
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Add any optional toppings you like, such as mayonnaise or hot sauce. Serve your Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks immediately while they’re hot and gooey. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you fully thaw the chicken before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can quickly thaw it using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. Pat the chicken dry before slicing to avoid extra moisture in the skillet.
Can I Substitute the Provolone Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute provolone with other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick! Just ensure the cheese melts well. If using a stronger cheese like sharp cheddar, consider using a mix with a mild cheese for balance.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks?
To store leftovers, let the sandwiches cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms, tofu, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring everything is tender and well-seasoned. Use cheese made from plant-based ingredients if you want a vegan version!
