Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: Ditch the Beef, Keep the Flavor!

Craving a classic Philly Cheesesteak but looking for a lighter, healthier option? Look no further! This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you love, without the heavy feeling. We’ve swapped out the traditional beef for tender, juicy chicken, and loaded it with all the essential toppings: perfectly caramelized onions and peppers, and of course, a generous helping of melted provolone cheese. Get ready to experience a new twist on an old favorite that’s quick, easy, and utterly irresistible.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe isn’t just a simple substitution; it’s a carefully crafted adaptation that maintains the essence of the original while offering unique advantages:

• Chicken’s Versatility: Chicken breasts are a fantastic canvas for absorbing flavors. They readily soak up the savory notes of the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a depth of flavor that rivals the traditional beef version.
• Speed and Simplicity: Chicken cooks much faster than beef, making this recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. The entire process, from prepping the ingredients to serving, takes less than 30 minutes.
• Healthier Choice: Chicken breast is leaner than most cuts of beef typically used for cheesesteaks, offering a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese, add your favorite toppings like mushrooms or jalapenos, or experiment with different types of cheese.
• Authentic Taste: Despite the chicken substitution, the combination of caramelized onions and peppers, provolone cheese, and a toasted hoagie roll delivers a remarkably authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 hoagie rolls
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese, like white American or mozzarella)
• Optional toppings: mushrooms, jalapenos, banana peppers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine and Cheese: Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Melt the Cheese: Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture into 6 equal portions within the skillet. Top each portion with 1-2 slices of provolone cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt completely, about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Carefully scoop each portion of the chicken and cheese mixture into a hoagie roll.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks hot and enjoy! Add any optional toppings you desire.

Tips for Success

• Thinly Slice the Chicken: The key to a great Philly Cheesesteak is thinly sliced meat. This ensures even cooking and a tender, easy-to-eat sandwich. If you find it difficult to slice the chicken thinly, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
• Caramelize the Onions and Peppers: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Allow the onions and peppers to cook slowly over medium-high heat until they are softened, slightly browned, and sweet. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic flavor of a Philly Cheesesteak.
• Use a Good Quality Roll: The hoagie roll is just as important as the filling. Choose a soft, slightly chewy roll that can hold up to the juicy filling without falling apart.
• Toast the Rolls (Optional): For added texture, you can lightly toast the hoagie rolls before filling them.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the chicken and vegetable mixture before adding the cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Cheese Choices: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white American, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Chicken Philly Cheesesteak filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Assemble the cheesesteaks with fresh rolls and cheese just before serving.

Note: Assembled cheesesteaks do not freeze well, as the bread can become soggy. It’s best to store the filling separately.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, but they also contain more fat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it before assembling the cheesesteaks.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients. Just be sure to slice the chicken thinly after grilling.

Q: Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

A: Yes, sliced mushrooms are a great addition. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.

Q: What other toppings can I add to my Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?

A: The possibilities are endless! Some popular toppings include jalapenos, banana peppers, hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

Conclusion

This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a lighter twist. It’s quick, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to beef or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the beef and embrace the flavor – your taste buds will thank you!