Ultimate Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole: Your New Go-To Family Dinner
Craving the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but looking for a more convenient, family-friendly meal? Look no further than this incredible Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole! This baked sensation perfectly captures the essence of the beloved sandwich, transforming it into a hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious casserole. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, vibrant bell peppers, savory onions, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection until bubbly and irresistible. It delivers all the savory, cheesy goodness you expect from a cheesesteak, reimagined into an easy-to-serve dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Say goodbye to soggy bread and hello to a spoon-friendly feast that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why This Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole Is a Must-Try
This Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole is the delicious companion to our beloved Philly cheesesteak casserole, offering a fantastic poultry-based twist. By simply swapping out the beef for succulent shredded chicken, we create a lighter yet equally satisfying version of this classic comfort food. The winning combination of sweet onions, colorful bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken breast, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce, elevates this dish into the ultimate comfort food category. It’s a complete meal in one dish, designed for ease and maximum flavor.
Imagine all the delightful elements of a traditional chicken Philly cheesesteak sandwich – the savory chicken, the perfectly cooked veggies, and that signature melted cheese – now served in a deconstructed, low-carb friendly casserole format. While this recipe doesn’t include the bread you’d find in a sandwich, it actually enhances the experience. The creamy, flavorful sauce is just begging to be soaked up, making it ideal for pairing with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side. This approach allows the rich flavors of the filling to truly shine, without the distraction of a bready bun. It’s a perfect solution for those who love the taste of a cheesesteak but prefer a fork-and-knife meal, or for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable chicken cheesesteak casserole. You’ll find all specific measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed instructions in the convenient printable recipe card located at the end of this post. For now, let’s explore the key components that make this dish so special.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps for Your Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
Understanding each ingredient and knowing when you can make smart substitutions will help you customize this recipe to your taste and what you have on hand, ensuring your Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole is always a success.
CHICKEN – You’ll need approximately 2 pounds of cooked chicken for this recipe, which typically translates to about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This casserole is an ideal way to utilize leftover chicken from a previous meal, making dinner prep even faster. If you don’t have leftovers, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves a significant amount of time. Alternatively, you can easily cook up chicken breasts yourself by boiling, baking, or pan-frying them until fully cooked, then shredding or slicing them. For best results and maximum flavor, we recommend shredding the chicken thick to give it a substantial bite that holds up well in the creamy sauce. However, if you prefer, thinly slicing the chicken can also work, especially if you like a more delicate texture.
CHEESE – The original Philly cheesesteak is known for its cheesy topping, and our casserole version embraces this with a blend of pepper jack and provolone. Pepper jack adds a subtle kick and creamy texture to the sauce, while slices of provolone on top melt beautifully and create that iconic gooey crust. However, feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! Mozzarella is a fantastic alternative for its superb melting qualities and mild flavor. Gouda offers a slightly nutty and rich profile, while sharp cheddar can provide a more robust, tangy taste. For a true “Philly” experience, some might even consider a processed cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz) in the mix for ultimate creaminess, although our recipe leans towards natural cheeses for a more gourmet feel. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite melty cheeses to find your perfect combination.
CREAM CHEESE – This essential ingredient forms the rich, velvety base of our casserole’s sauce, giving it an unparalleled creamy texture and a delightful tang. For the smoothest possible sauce, it’s crucial to ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before you begin cooking. The easiest way to achieve this is to cube the cream cheese and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This allows it to incorporate seamlessly into the other ingredients without leaving lumps. If you’re short on time, you can also gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 second intervals until pliable. For a slightly different flavor profile or to reduce richness, you could consider using a combination of cream cheese and sour cream, or even Greek yogurt for an extra tang and protein boost, though these may alter the final texture slightly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven preheats, lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet with deep sides (this is important to contain all the ingredients as they cook), heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and bell peppers (both red and green) to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become slightly tender-crisp. You want them to retain a little bite but lose their raw edge.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the vegetables in the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter. This step infuses the vegetables with a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Carefully add the cubed and softened cream cheese and the heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Stir constantly with a spoon or whisk, ensuring the cream cheese melts smoothly and combines thoroughly with the heavy cream and sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the cheese from overcooking.
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce, peppers, and onions. Mix everything together thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures every spoonful of your chicken cheesesteak casserole is packed with flavor. Once combined, carefully transfer the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the provolone cheese slices evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish, covering the surface completely. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese on top should become fully melted, bubbly, and begin to turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges. If your cheese isn’t as golden as you’d like after 15 minutes, you can carefully broil the casserole for an additional minute or two, watching it very closely to prevent burning. This step creates that irresistible crust that adds so much texture and flavor to the Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole.
- For a final touch of freshness and vibrant color, garnish your bubbling chicken cheesesteak casserole with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle, herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
Storing your leftover Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole properly ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come. Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few options. For individual servings, place a portion in the microwave and heat in 45-second to 1-minute intervals, stirring between each increment, until it’s warmed through. To prevent it from drying out, you can add a splash of heavy cream, milk, or even a little chicken broth before reheating to help maintain its moistness. If you wish, you can also add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top before microwaving to get a newly melted, gooey layer. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese again.
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic option for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking, before adding the top layer of provolone cheese) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then add the provolone slices and bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting colder.
Yes, this Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole freezes remarkably well! For best results, bake the casserole completely, let it cool entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed (adding extra time) or bake directly from frozen (covered) at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through, uncovering for the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. Add a splash of milk or cream during reheating if it seems dry.
While the recipe calls for red and green bell peppers for a classic look and balanced flavor, you can certainly use any combination of colors you prefer. Yellow and orange bell peppers are sweeter and can add a lovely vibrancy to the dish. Using a mix not only makes the casserole visually appealing but also offers a slight variation in flavor and sweetness, enhancing the overall experience of your chicken cheesesteak casserole.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
This hearty Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and balanced meal. For those who love a hint of that sandwich experience, serving it with warm, crusty hunks of bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls is a fantastic idea, perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce. If you’re looking to add some freshness and contrast, a crisp green dinner salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. You could also opt for roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. For a low-carb alternative, consider serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple side salad. No matter how you serve it, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Explore More Comforting Casserole Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole, you’ll love exploring our other collection of easy and flavorful casserole recipes. Casseroles are the ultimate solution for convenient, wholesome, and delicious family meals, offering hearty flavors with minimal fuss. Dive into these other popular options:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: A spicy and cheesy favorite for fans of buffalo wings!
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Layers of flavor with a Tex-Mex twist.
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A classic, creamy, and flavorful Southwestern-inspired dish.
- Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: The original beef version that inspired this chicken delight!
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Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced for that classic cheesesteak flavor
- 2 red bell peppers sliced into strips
- 2 green bell peppers sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic freshly minced for best flavor
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened to ensure a smooth sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese for a creamy, slightly spicy kick
- 2 pounds cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts shredded thickly (approx. 4 breasts, or use rotisserie chicken)
- 8 slices provolone cheese for the irresistible melted topping
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 inch baking dish
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Large heavy bottomed skillet with deep sides (essential for combining all ingredients)
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- You will need about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, totaling approximately 2 pounds of cooked chicken for this recipe. This dish is excellent for using up leftovers, but you can also opt for a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or simply cook and shred the breasts yourself before starting the casserole assembly. Feel free to slice the chicken if preferred, but thick shredding provides a more satisfying texture.
- For the best and smoothest sauce texture, it is essential to soften the cream cheese before incorporating it. To do so, cube the cream cheese and allow it to rest at room temperature for around 30 minutes. This will help it melt seamlessly into the sauce without lumps.
- While provolone and pepper jack cheese are recommended for their authentic cheesesteak flavor and creamy melt, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of cheese! Mozzarella or gouda are excellent substitutes that offer their own unique flavor and melting properties. A sharp cheddar can also add a delightful tang.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture along with the other seasonings.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prepare it for the casserole.
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In a large skillet with deep sides, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize slightly.
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Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, sea salt, and ground pepper. Continue to cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well-distributed.
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Add the softened cream cheese and heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Stir consistently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, forming a smooth, creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat.
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Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the rich and creamy cheesesteak sauce. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Layer the provolone cheese slices over the top of the casserole. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top. If needed, you can broil for a minute or two at the very end to achieve a perfect golden crust, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole!
Expert Tips & FAQs for the Best Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole
- Storage & Reheating: Store cooled leftover Philly chicken cheesesteak casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave in 45-second to 1-minute intervals, stirring in between increments until warmed through. You can add a splash of heavy cream (or any milk or chicken broth) to help keep it moist during reheating. Adding additional cheese on top and melting it can refresh the dish. For oven reheating, cover and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the top layer of provolone cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add provolone and bake as directed when ready, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to bake time.
- Freezing: Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight or bake from frozen (covered) at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
- Chicken Options: This recipe is perfect for pre-cooked chicken, whether it’s leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Varieties: While provolone and pepper jack give an authentic flavor, feel free to use other good melting cheeses like mozzarella, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings, or use hot pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetable Prep: Don’t overcook your peppers and onions initially; you want them tender-crisp as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.