Chicken Cheesesteaks
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, Chicken Cheesesteaks are the perfect solution. These sandwiches are filled with tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Chicken Cheesesteak recipe is a keeper for several reasons. First, it combines simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator. Second, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings to your liking. Lastly, it can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Each bite is bursting with flavor and warmth, making it a comforting meal that’s hard to resist.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these mouthwatering Chicken Cheesesteaks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 hoagie rolls (4-6 inches)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 ounces mild provolone cheese, non-smoked, sliced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Gear Checklist
Before you begin cooking, gather the following kitchen gear:
- Large skillet – for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- Spatula – to flip and stir the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the vegetables and chicken.
- Meat thermometer – to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Oven-safe dish – if you choose to toast the hoagie rolls.
Chicken Cheesesteaks: From Prep to Plate
Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Cheesesteaks:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin strips. This will help it cook quickly and evenly. Next, thinly slice the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Set everything aside for easy access while cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a deliciously savory taste.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the seasoned chicken strips, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. To ensure it’s fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Gently mix everything together and let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want to toast your hoagie rolls. Slice the hoagie rolls down the middle without cutting all the way through. If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise inside each roll, then fill them generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Top each sandwich with slices of provolone cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese
Place the filled hoagie rolls on an oven-safe dish and put them in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cheesesteaks!
Quick Replacement Ideas
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to customize your Chicken Cheesesteaks, consider these substitutions:
- Chicken breast can be replaced with turkey breast or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Provolone cheese can be swapped for mozzarella or cheddar cheese based on your preference.
- Green bell pepper can be substituted with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.
- Mayonnaise can be replaced with ranch dressing for a creamy twist.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best cooks can run into issues. Here are some common pitfalls when making Chicken Cheesesteaks and how to avoid them:
- Overcooked Chicken: Make sure to monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without becoming dry.
- Cheese Not Melting: If you find your cheese isn’t melting, try covering the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to trap the heat.
- Too Much Grease: If you notice excess grease, drain the chicken and vegetables on paper towels before assembling the sandwiches.
- Rolls Falling Apart: Ensure the rolls are fresh and not too stale to hold the filling without falling apart.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Chicken Cheesesteaks fresh and delicious, consider the following tips:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to maintain the crispiness of the hoagie roll and the meltiness of the cheese.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is traditional, feel free to try mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
What can I serve with Chicken Cheesesteaks?
These sandwiches pair well with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.
Can I make Chicken Cheesesteaks ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance. Just assemble and heat the sandwiches when you’re ready to serve.
Are Chicken Cheesesteaks healthy?
They can be part of a balanced diet! You can make them healthier by using whole grain rolls and loading up on veggies.
Explore More
If you loved these Chicken Cheesesteaks, check out these other delicious recipes:
Let’s Eat
Now that you have everything you need to make your Chicken Cheesesteaks, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that will surely satisfy your cravings. Each sandwich is not only a delightful bite but also a cozy hug of flavors that you and your loved ones will cherish. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into this scrumptious dish!
Chicken Cheesesteaks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin strips. This will help it cook quickly and evenly. Next, thinly slice the yellow onion and green bell pepper. Set everything aside for easy access while cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the seasoned chicken strips, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Once the chicken is cooked, return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Gently mix everything together and let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want to toast your hoagie rolls. Slice the hoagie rolls down the middle without cutting all the way through. If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise inside each roll, then fill them generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Top each sandwich with slices of provolone cheese.
- Place the filled hoagie rolls on an oven-safe dish and put them in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the sandwiches from the oven. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cheesesteaks!
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use pre-cooked chicken.
- Customize your cheese choice for different flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
