This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a warm and hearty meal that comes together quickly. With juicy chicken, bell peppers, onions, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s simply delicious!
Honestly, it’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners. I love how you can just toss everything in one pan. Less cleaning and more time to enjoy this yummy dish with family! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for tenderness. If you prefer, you can use turkey or even rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. Shredded chicken works well too!
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika or even chili powder for a bit of spice.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, but provolone or a sharp cheddar can give a fun twist to the flavor. You can also try a dairy-free cheese if needed!
Bell Peppers: I like using a mix of red and green for color and sweetness. Any bell peppers will do, and you can even add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Cooks Evenly?
Cooking chicken properly can be a challenge. To ensure it cooks evenly and quickly:
- Slice the chicken into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. You want that initial sear for flavor!
- Avoid over-crowding the pan. If you have a lot, consider cooking in batches to give the chicken space to brown.
Keeping an eye on the cooking time (about 4-5 minutes) helps achieve juicy chicken without drying it out!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear and cooks evenly throughout.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
While the skillet is heating up, grab the thinly sliced chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with all the spices for maximum flavor!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is starting to brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and have a nice caramelized look. This adds great flavor to your skillet dish!
5. Combining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together—chicken, peppers, and onions—ensuring it’s well mixed and heated through.
6. Adding Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This will help the cheese melt beautifully!
7. Serving:
Your Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is now ready! Serve it hot directly from the skillet. It’s delightful alone or you can serve it with toasted hoagie rolls or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works wonderfully. Just shred or chop it, and add it to the skillet at the same stage as you would the cooked chicken, heating it through with the veggies.
What Can I Use Instead of Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, feel free to swap them out! You can use sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to sauté until tender before adding the chicken back in!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep things moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce when sautéing the vegetables to kick up the heat. Adjust to your taste for the perfect spicy touch!
