Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks are a tasty twist on the classic sandwich! Packed with juicy chicken, melted cheese, and colorful peppers, they’re sure to satisfy your hunger.
Making these is pretty simple, and trust me, they disappear quickly at my house! I love loading mine with extra cheese—because more cheese is always better, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they’re easy to slice and cook quickly. You can substitute with turkey breast for a leaner option or even grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
Bell Peppers: I used green and red bell peppers for a sweet and crunchy texture. If you’re not a fan, you can swap them for sliced mushrooms or zucchini. They bring a different flavor but add great texture!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed. You can use a white onion for a sharper flavor, or sweet onion like Walla Walla for a milder taste. Yellow onion is also a great all-rounder here!
Cheese: Provolone is my go-to because it melts beautifully. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder option. Cheese alternatives like vegan cheese can also work well!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken properly is key to achieving juiciness. Start by using thinly sliced chicken breasts; this way, they cook evenly and quickly. Always season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder before cooking. This adds flavor and enhances moisture.
- Heat your skillet on medium before adding the olive oil—this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as that can make it dry. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for a bit after cooking; this allows juices to redistribute back into the meat, keeping it tender!
How to Make Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Optional: Hot sauce for serving
- Optional: Pickled jalapeños for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The whole process will take about 25-30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and veggies, and about 5-7 minutes baking to melt the cheese. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken to the pan and season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and caramelized. This will add a lot of flavor to your Philly cheese steaks!
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine nicely.
4. Prepare for Baking:
While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or set up your broiler. This will get things nice and hot so that your cheese can melt perfectly.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Split each hoagie roll lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
6. Bake the Sandwiches:
Put the baking sheet in the oven or under the broiler. Bake for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the rolls!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with pickled jalapeños if you like a little extra kick. Then it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute sliced beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: beef may take a bit longer to cook through, while tofu should be pressed and cubed before sautéing to achieve a nice texture.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, other melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack can work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its own flavor, so choose based on your taste preferences!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken Philly cheese steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave, but note that the bread may not stay as crispy in the microwave.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time! Sauté the chicken and vegetables, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just line the rolls, add the mixture, top with cheese, and bake until warm and gooey!
