If you're a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak but want to switch things up a bit, this Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious alternative! Packed with tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese, this sandwich is just as satisfying as the original beef version but lighter and just as flavorful. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or a game day meal. Follow this recipe to make the ultimate chicken cheesesteak at home!
What is a "Chicken Philly Cheesesteak"?
A Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a variation of the classic Philly cheesesteak, which traditionally consists of thinly sliced beef, onions, and melted cheese served in a hoagie roll. In this version, chicken takes the place of the beef, offering a lighter yet equally tasty sandwich. The combination of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese creates a savory filling, and it’s all piled into a toasted hoagie roll or sub. It’s a perfect handheld meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients List for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
To make the perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, gather the following ingredients. These can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences or what you have available:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls (or any sub sandwich bread of your choice)
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese: mozzarella, American, or Cheez Whiz)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on the bread)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting the rolls)
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak to suit your tastes. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken Alternatives: Use ground chicken, rotisserie chicken, or turkey if you prefer a different type of protein. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Cheese Options: Provolone is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Swiss, American cheese, or even the traditional Philly cheesesteak topping—Cheez Whiz—for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Bread Choices: Hoagie rolls are traditional, but you can also use baguettes, ciabatta, or even a wrap for a lower-carb version. A gluten-free roll works well if you're avoiding gluten.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños for a little extra heat and flavor.
- Sauces: You can spread mayo, garlic aioli, or mustard on the rolls for extra richness. Hot sauce or a drizzle of ranch dressing can add even more flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make a delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak from scratch:
- Prepare the Chicken:
Start by thinly slicing the chicken breasts or thighs into strips. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. In a bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken to coat it well with the seasoning. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they are soft and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. If you like, you can also add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking for extra flavor. - Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the chicken and veggies are evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to stay warm while you prepare the rolls and cheese. - Toast the Rolls (Optional):
Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and spread the inside with a little butter or mayonnaise. Heat them in a clean skillet or under a broiler until they are toasted and golden-brown. This step gives the sandwich a crispy base and prevents it from getting soggy. - Melt the Cheese:
Place slices of provolone cheese directly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and cover the chicken and veggies. If you prefer, you can add the cheese to the sandwich itself instead of melting it in the pan. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the cheese is melted, scoop the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture onto the toasted hoagie rolls. Pile it high and press the sandwich slightly to help everything stick together. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sandwiches hot and melty with your favorite side dishes like fries, onion rings, or a fresh green salad. You can also add some hot sauce or additional condiments if desired.
How to Cook Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: A Step-by-Step Guide
To recap, here are the main steps to follow when making a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
- Slice the Chicken and Vegetables: Thinly slice the chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté the Veggies: Cook the onions and peppers until soft and caramelized.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Add the chicken back to the veggies and melt the cheese over everything.
- Toast the Rolls and Assemble: Toast the rolls, pile on the filling, and enjoy your delicious sandwich!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it's done. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and chewy.
- Soggy Bread: Toasting the rolls prevents them from becoming soggy from the juicy filling. This is especially important if you plan to eat the sandwich later or if you're making extras.
- Not Melting the Cheese: For the ultimate cheesesteak experience, make sure the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Covering the skillet helps trap the heat and melt the cheese faster.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Classic Pairings: Serve your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak with a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion rings. A simple green salad or coleslaw can also balance out the richness of the sandwich.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of ketchup, garlic aioli, or ranch for dipping. Some people also love to drizzle a little hot sauce or barbecue sauce over the sandwich.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks are best served hot, right after cooking when the cheese is still melty and the rolls are crisp. You can serve them in several ways:
- Main Course: Pair the sandwiches with fries, chips, or a side salad for a full meal.
- Party Food: Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions and serve as sliders or finger food for a crowd. They make great game-day snacks!
- Meal Prep: This recipe can be easily doubled, and the filling can be stored in the fridge for quick sandwich assembly during the week.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Serve Open-Faced: For a fun twist, serve the sandwiches open-faced, with extra cheese melted on top.
- Platter Style: Arrange the chicken cheesesteaks on a large serving platter with bowls of condiments like mustard, hot sauce, or ranch, allowing people to customize their sandwiches.
- Wrapped in Foil: For an authentic diner feel, wrap each sandwich in foil before serving. This helps keep the sandwich warm and melts the cheese even more!
Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling and assemble the sandwiches.
- Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a delicious addition to the chicken and vegetable mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this sandwich with rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken, season it, and heat it with the veggies and cheese.
**Q: Can I freeze Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
filling?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture. Let it cool, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and reheat before assembling the sandwich.
Q: What can I serve with this sandwich?
A: Fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad are perfect sides. For a lighter option, serve the sandwich with roasted vegetables or a side of fruit.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! While provolone is traditional, you can use mozzarella, American, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious, hearty Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! With juicy chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese on a toasted roll, this sandwich offers a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or game day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
PrintChicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and gooey melted provolone cheese, all stuffed into a warm hoagie roll. A lighter twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, this sandwich is a perfect quick and hearty meal for lunch or dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course-sandwich
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and onions until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and place provolone slices on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover and cook until the cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slice hoagie rolls and lightly toast them if desired. Spread mayonnaise inside each roll.
- Fill each hoagie roll with the cheesy chicken, pepper, and onion mixture. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms or jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
- You can also substitute provolone with mozzarella or American cheese for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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