Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Craving the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but want a lighter option? This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is the perfect alternative! Made with tender, juicy chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this sandwich packs all the savory, cheesy goodness of the original, but swaps out the beef for a leaner protein. Serve it in a soft hoagie roll, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day gatherings.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this mouthwatering Chicken Philly Cheesesteak!

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What is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?

A Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a variation of the classic Philly cheesesteak, traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese. In this version, thinly sliced chicken breasts are used in place of beef, sautéed with bell peppers and onions, and then topped with melted cheese. It’s all stuffed into a hoagie roll for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that’s lighter but just as delicious as its beef counterpart.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the ultimate Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cut into strips)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 4 hoagie rolls (or sub rolls)
• 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese, mozzarella, or cheese whiz)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting the rolls)

Optional Toppings:

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Hot sauce
• Sliced pickles or banana peppers
• Lettuce and tomato (if you prefer a loaded sandwich)

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

1. Cheese Variations: Provolone cheese is classic for a Philly cheesesteak, but you can use American cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or even cheese whiz for an authentic Philly experience. If you prefer a spicier sandwich, try pepper jack cheese.
2. Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add mushrooms, sliced jalapeños, or even spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
3. Bread Alternatives: If you’re avoiding carbs, you can serve the chicken and veggies in a lettuce wrap or over a bed of greens for a low-carb option. You can also use whole wheat hoagie rolls or gluten-free rolls if needed.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy twist.
5. Marinated Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. This will add even more depth to the dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to make this easier. For even thinner slices, you can freeze the chicken for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and add the sliced chicken.
• Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavor and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

• Add the sautéed onions and bell peppers back into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
• Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls

• Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise.
• In a separate skillet or on a griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Place the hoagie rolls, cut-side down, in the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

• Preheat your oven broiler to high (or use a toaster oven).
• Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly between the hoagie rolls.
• Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich.
• Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to let them burn!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks come out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Thin slices cook quickly, so keep an eye on them, and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it's cooked through.
2. Burning the Rolls: When toasting the hoagie rolls, be sure to keep the heat at medium. High heat can burn the rolls quickly before they have a chance to get evenly crispy.
3. Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure the onions and peppers are softened and caramelized before adding them to the chicken. Properly cooked veggies add a lot of sweetness and depth to the sandwich.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks are ready, here’s how to serve and present them for maximum enjoyment:

How to Serve Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

• Classic Style: Serve the cheesesteaks immediately, right out of the oven, with chips, fries, or a simple side salad. You can also offer a variety of condiments on the side, like mayo, mustard, or hot sauce.
• Loaded Sandwich: Add extra toppings like sliced pickles, banana peppers, or a dollop of mayonnaise to take your sandwich to the next level.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

• Cut Diagonally: For a restaurant-style presentation, slice the sandwich diagonally and serve it on a wooden board or plate with some chips or a pickle spear.
• Add Garnish: Garnish the plate with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and serve with a lemon wedge to brighten up the flavors.

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Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ahead: To save time, slice the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
2. Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a crowd, this recipe is easy to double. You can make a large batch of the chicken and vegetable mixture and set up a cheesesteak assembly station for guests to build their own sandwiches.
3. Reheating Tip: If you have leftovers, reheat the filling in a skillet to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables. Reheat the rolls in the oven or on the stovetop to keep them crispy.
4. Keep it Saucy: For an extra saucy sandwich, add a drizzle of melted cheese sauce or cheese whiz over the top before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe with leftover chicken?

Yes! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or slice it, then sauté it with the vegetables and seasonings to bring the flavors together.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free hoagie rolls or bread, and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat the filling in a skillet and toast fresh hoagie rolls before assembling.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is a lighter, flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, but with all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it up at your next game day party, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. With juicy chicken, perfectly sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese all wrapped up in a toasted hoagie roll, you’ll love every bite. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak!

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