Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe

The Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich is a flavorful, lighter alternative to the traditional Philly Cheese Steak, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. With tender, juicy chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a generous layer of melted cheese all nestled inside a toasted hoagie roll, this sandwich delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. This recipe combines simple ingredients to make a wholesome, hearty meal that can easily become a family favorite.

This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s an excellent choice for those craving a quick, filling, and savory sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving a crowd on game day, the Chicken Cheese Steak is a go-to recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This sandwich comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your preferences by adding your favorite vegetables, cheese, or toppings.
• Healthier Alternative: It’s a lighter version of the classic Philly cheesesteak but still packed with flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavors are perfect for picky eaters.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored for quick assembly later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. If the chicken is slightly frozen, it will be easier to slice thinly. Alternatively, you can ask your butcher to slice it for you.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the Onions and Bell Peppers: Thinly slice the onions and bell peppers. Set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking and stir well. Once done, transfer the vegetables to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken Strips: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side to develop a nice sear.
2. Flip and Cook the Chicken: Flip the chicken strips and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 6-8 minutes total. Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Toast the Rolls

1. Butter the Rolls: While the chicken is cooking, slice your hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of the rolls.
2. Toast the Rolls: In a separate skillet or griddle, toast the rolls butter-side down over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken strips onto the bottom half of each hoagie roll. Top the chicken with a generous amount of sautéed onions and bell peppers.
2. Add the Cheese: Place 2 slices of provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. The heat from the chicken will start to melt the cheese, but for a fully melted effect, you can place the assembled sandwiches in a warm oven (350°F) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is gooey and melted.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Add Toppings: If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the top half of the hoagie roll. You can also add optional toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
2. Close and Serve: Place the top half of the roll over the cheese-covered chicken and vegetables. Serve the sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is still melted.
3. Optional Side Dishes: Serve these chicken cheese steak sandwiches with your favorite sides like crispy fries, potato chips, or a simple side salad.

Customizations and Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Cheese Steak:

• For those who love a little heat, you can spice up this sandwich by adding jalapeños, sliced banana peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha. You can also add red pepper flakes to the marinade to give the chicken a spicy kick.

2. Cheese Options:

• While provolone is the classic cheese for Philly cheesesteaks, you can experiment with other cheeses like American cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Cheez Whiz is also a fun option for an extra creamy and indulgent touch.

3. Healthier Alternatives:

• For a healthier version, opt for whole wheat hoagie rolls, or skip the bread altogether and turn this into a Chicken Cheese Steak Salad. Simply serve the chicken, veggies, and cheese over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce.

4. Add Mushrooms:

• Sautéed mushrooms are a popular addition to many cheese steaks. Simply slice button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sauté them with the bell peppers and onions, and add them to your sandwich for extra umami flavor.

5. BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak:

• For a smoky and tangy twist, toss the cooked chicken in barbecue sauce before adding it to the sandwich. You can also swap the bell peppers for grilled onions to complement the BBQ flavor.

6. Philly-Style Chicken Cheese Steak:

• For a more authentic Philly-style cheese steak, add Cheez Whiz as the cheese of choice, and make sure to sauté the onions until they are deeply caramelized for that extra rich flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches

1. Thinly Slice the Chicken: Thin slices of chicken will cook more evenly and quickly. It also helps to partially freeze the chicken for about 30 minutes before slicing, making it easier to cut thin, even strips.
2. Use a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the chicken, locking in the juices and giving the chicken a golden-brown crust.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming.
4. Get Creative with Add-Ins: While this recipe calls for bell peppers and onions, you can get creative with your vegetable and protein choices. Try adding sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even bacon for added flavor and texture.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

1. Meal Prepping the Chicken Cheese Steak

To make your weeknight dinners even easier, consider meal prepping the chicken cheese steak ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Marinate the Chicken: Prepare the chicken and marinate it in advance. Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Sauté the Vegetables: You can also sauté the vegetables in advance. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3 days.
• Assembly Time: When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken cheese steaks, simply cook the marinated chicken, reheat the sautéed vegetables, and assemble the sandwiches. This will save you a lot of time on busy weeknights!

2. Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken cheese steak sandwiches, here’s how to store them:

• Separate the Components: For the best results, store the components separately. Place any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the toasted rolls separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Toast the rolls again briefly in a skillet or oven for optimal texture.
• Freezing: If you have a large batch, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and use them within 3 months for the best quality.

3. Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair your chicken cheese steak sandwiches with side dishes like fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple salad to balance the meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Consider serving with some delicious dipping sauces. A spicy ranch or a creamy garlic aioli can elevate the flavor profile of your sandwich.
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh finish. Alternatively, green onions or chopped jalapeños can add extra flavor and color.

Variations to Try

1. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak

For a spicy kick, toss the cooked chicken in Buffalo sauce before assembling the sandwiches. Serve with blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

2. Italian Chicken Cheese Steak

Add Italian flair by using marinara sauce instead of the usual cheese. Top the chicken with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil before serving.

3. BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak

Swap the traditional cheese for BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. This version pairs well with crispy fried onion rings as a topping.

4. Vegetarian Cheese Steak

For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu. The marinade and toppings can remain the same, ensuring you still enjoy all the delicious flavors.

Conclusion

The Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a flavorful experience that brings together textures and tastes in a way that pleases the palate. With the perfect balance of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and gooey cheese, this sandwich is a delightful dish that you can easily customize to suit your personal preferences.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the skillet or reheating leftovers for a quick meal, the Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich offers a satisfying bite every time. It’s ideal for gatherings, casual family dinners, or meal prep, ensuring that you have a delicious option ready to go.

So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, providing hearty and satisfying meals that everyone will love. Enjoy the process, share it with friends and family, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe

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The Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich is a flavorful, lighter alternative to the traditional Philly Cheese Steak, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. With tender, juicy chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a generous layer of melted cheese all nestled inside a toasted hoagie roll, this sandwich delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. This recipe combines simple ingredients to make a wholesome, hearty meal that can easily become a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice)
• 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
• Optional toppings: sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
   Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
   Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture into four sections in the skillet. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each section. Cover the skillet for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
   
5. Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
   While the cheese is melting, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise.
   Using a spatula, transfer the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture into each hoagie roll.
   
6. Step 6: Serve
   Serve the sandwiches warm, with optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional toppings such as jalapeños, spinach, or avocado.
• For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• These sandwiches pair well with chips, fries, or a side salad.