The Ultimate Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

Introduction for the ultimate chicken cheesesteak recipe.

If you’re a fan of the classic Philly cheesesteak but looking for a lighter twist, you’re going to love the ultimate chicken cheesesteak. This recipe swaps out beef for tender, juicy chicken while retaining the rich, gooey cheesiness and flavorful sautéed vegetables that make cheesesteaks so irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or parties, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into creating this ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, thinly sliced (or 16 ounces of ground chicken).

Seasoning for Chicken:

• All-purpose seasoning or a mix of:
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp dried herb (thyme, oregano, or basil – optional)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Vegetables:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (added at the end)

Cheese:

• 8-14 slices provolone, white American, or Cooper sharp cheese (or a combination for extra flavor).

Bread:

• 4 sturdy, chewy hoagie or steak rolls.

Optional Condiments:

• 2 tbsp garlic aioli or mayo for spreading on the rolls.
• Other condiments like ketchup, tomato sauce, or long hot peppers.

Additional:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Spatula or two griddle spatulas

Instructions for Best chicken cheesesteak recipe.

Prepare Best chicken cheesesteak recipe:

1. If using chicken breasts or cutlets, partially freeze them for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Slice the chicken thinly, or use ground chicken for convenience.
2. Season the chicken with the all-purpose seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, if desired.

Sear the Chicken:

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear until browned. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

1. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using).
2. Season the vegetables with the all-purpose seasoning and sauté until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Melt the Cheese:

1. Arrange the cheese slices over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Prepare the Rolls:

1. Lightly butter the hoagie rolls and toast them on a griddle or skillet until golden.
2. Optionally, add a slice or two of cheese to the inside of each roll for extra cheesiness.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Spread garlic aioli or your preferred condiment on the inside of the rolls.
2. Scoop the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture into the rolls, ensuring an even distribution of filling.

Serve:

1. Serve the sandwiches hot. Optionally, wrap them in foil and heat in a 170-275°F oven to ensure the cheese is fully melted or to keep them warm for later.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken cheesesteak with these sides for a complete meal:

• French fries
• Potato chips
• Dill pickle spears
• Salad
• Tater tots
• Onion rings

Offer a variety of condiments for guests to customize their sandwiches.

Expert Tips and Variations

• Bread: Use high-quality, sturdy, and chewy rolls to hold up to the hearty filling.
• Chicken: For ground chicken, break it up with a spatula while cooking. For sliced chicken, ensure thin slices for better texture.
• Cheese: Combine different cheeses for enhanced flavor and gooeyness.
• Make Ahead:
  • Store the cooked filling in the fridge (separately from the bread) for 3-5 days.
  • Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
• Reheating Assembled Sandwiches: Wrap them in foil and warm in a 170-275°F oven.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute mushrooms for the chicken.
• Spicy Option: Add jalapenos or drizzle with hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese is best for chicken cheesesteaks?

Provolone, white American, or Cooper sharp cheese are excellent choices. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor.

How do you thinly slice chicken for cheesesteak?

Partially freezing the chicken for 30 minutes makes it easier to slice thinly.

What is the best bread for a chicken Philly cheesesteak?

Sturdy, chewy hoagie rolls work best to hold the filling without falling apart.

Can this recipe be made ahead?

Yes! Store the filling separately from the bread and assemble just before serving.

How to reheat a cheesesteak?

Wrap the sandwich in foil and warm in a 170-275°F oven for the best results.

Nutritional Information (Optional)

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 450-600 (varies with ingredients)
• Protein: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fat: 15-25g

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