Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

The Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, using lean chicken breast instead of traditional steak to create a lighter, yet still indulgent, meal. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese, all in one skillet. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to your liking.

Whether you’re craving the classic cheesesteak flavor or looking for a healthier alternative, this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal prep and cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken. If you have whole chicken breasts, cut them into small strips or bite-sized cubes to mimic the texture of a classic Philly cheesesteak. You can also slice them thinly against the grain to create tender pieces that will absorb all the flavors of the seasoning and sauce.

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor, but if you prefer a spicier version, you can substitute it with chili powder or cayenne pepper.

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2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. Remove and set aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll use the same skillet to cook the vegetables, which will soak up all the flavorful bits left from the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the onions and peppers: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to coat in the oil. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are softened and caramelized and the peppers are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

2. Add extra seasoning: If you’d like to add more flavor, sprinkle the vegetables with dried oregano and red pepper flakes for an added kick. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and infuse the veggies with flavor.

3. Transfer to a plate: Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, transfer them to the plate with the chicken. Leave any remaining oil and juices in the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. Prepare the base: In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese. Stir it around the skillet for about 1-2 minutes to warm it up and melt it slightly. This helps it combine smoothly into the sauce.

2. Add milk: Slowly add the milk to the cream cheese while stirring to create a smooth sauce. You can use more or less milk depending on the desired consistency. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the milk, creating a creamy base.

3. Stir in the cheeses: Once the cream cheese and milk have formed a smooth mixture, add the shredded provolone, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce continuously as the cheese melts into the cream mixture, creating a thick and cheesy sauce.

4. Add optional flavors: For a bit of tang and extra complexity, stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Both ingredients will enhance the savory, umami flavors in the sauce, giving it a cheesesteak-worthy depth.

5. Adjust consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out. Keep stirring to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Sauce

1. Return the chicken and vegetables: Add the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken and vegetables are fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

2. Simmer: Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some of the cheese sauce. This step will also ensure that the chicken and vegetables are heated through.

Step 5: Serve

You have a couple of options for serving this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet:

1. As a skillet meal: You can serve the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture directly from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you like, add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor and heat.

2. As a sandwich: If you prefer a more traditional approach, serve the chicken and cheese mixture on crusty rolls or hoagie buns. Place the chicken and vegetables on the roll and top with more melted cheese if desired. You can also serve it with a side of chips, fries, or a salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Swap Chicken for Other Meats

While this recipe uses chicken breast, you can easily swap it for other types of meat to suit your preferences. Thinly sliced beef steak or turkey breast would work well as alternatives. If you’re aiming for a more authentic cheesesteak, you can go for thinly sliced flank steak or ribeye. Adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose.

2. Make it Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños, banana peppers, or poblano peppers to the skillet while sautéing the vegetables. You can also spice up the sauce by incorporating cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. The spicy kick will balance nicely with the creamy cheese sauce.

3. Use Different Cheeses

While provolone is the traditional choice for a Philly cheesesteak, you can get creative with your cheese selection. Mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack would be fantastic substitutes. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of sharp cheddar or gouda.

4. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables to bulk up the dish. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even shredded carrots would add both flavor and nutrition. You can add these veggies in with the bell peppers and onions during the sautéing step.

5. Make It Lighter

For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with lighter alternatives, such as Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cheese blend. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a less indulgent meal.

6. Serve with Sides

While the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a filling dish on its own, you can serve it with a side to round out the meal. Consider pairing it with crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even a side of homemade coleslaw for added crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the chicken, vegetables, and cheese, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps to assemble the dish. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, so you may need to add a bit more milk when reheating.

Can I freeze Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet?

While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire skillet, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture separately. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. If you’re freezing, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables to maintain their texture.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily make the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet spicier by adding more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh chopped chilies such as jalapeños or serranos. You can even incorporate spicy pepper jack cheese to give the dish a fiery kick.

Conclusion

The Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a fun and delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, packed with flavor and made in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you enjoy it as a skillet meal or as a sandwich, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for comfort food. With tender chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Plus, it’s versatile—add more vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or spice it up to suit your tastes. Make this dish your own and enjoy a fantastic meal in just 30 minutes.

Yield: 4

Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

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The Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, using lean chicken breast instead of traditional steak to create a lighter, yet still indulgent, meal. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey melted cheese, all in one skillet. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to your liking.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 2 bell peppers (sliced, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
2. Sauté the veggies:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add seasonings and liquids:
   Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
   
4. Combine chicken and cheese:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
   Place a slice of provolone (or American cheese) on top of the chicken and veggie mixture, covering the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt. Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
   
5. Garnish and serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a cheesier version: You can add more slices of cheese or use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for extra meltiness.

Serving suggestion: Serve this skillet on its own for a low-carb option, or with toasted hoagie rolls for a traditional Philly cheesesteak experience.

Add heat: If you like a bit of spice, you can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding the Worcestershire sauce.

Veggie alternatives: You can swap the bell peppers for mushrooms, or add some spinach for extra greens.