Easy Homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe: A Lighter, Flavorful Twist
Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak but looking for a delicious alternative? Our homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe delivers all the savory satisfaction with a lighter touch. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken, perfectly sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a generous layer of gooey, melted cheese, all nestled in a soft, hearty hoagie bun. This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every single bite. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing casual gathering, proving that a lighter twist can be just as, if not more, irresistible.
Why This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe Works Wonders
This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe isn’t just an alternative; it’s a triumph of flavor and texture that stands proudly alongside its classic beef counterpart. Much like the East Coast classic Philly cheesesteak, this version is generously piled high with thinly sliced bell peppers, sweet onions, and an irresistible blanket of melted cheese. The key difference, and what makes this recipe so exceptional, is the swap of traditional beef for succulent chicken. This simple change creates a sandwich that feels lighter yet sacrifices none of the hearty, satisfying qualities you expect from a cheesesteak.
Every element in this chicken Philly sandwich is carefully chosen to deliver a perfect culinary balance. The tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, whether sliced thin or cut into bite-sized chunks, offers a delicate base that beautifully absorbs the accompanying flavors. The vibrant bell peppers and onions are sautéed to a tender-crisp perfection, adding a touch of sweetness and essential aromatic depth. And, of course, the melty cheese acts as the ultimate binder, bringing all these delicious components together in a warm, comforting embrace. Stacked between sturdy yet soft hoagie buns, each overstuffed bite provides that ideal blend of savory, sweet, and creamy, making it a truly unforgettable sandwich experience.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile and approachable for home cooks. It simplifies the process without compromising on authentic taste. The ability to customize the cheese and even the chicken cut means you can tailor it to your family’s preferences, making it a guaranteed hit. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
To embark on your culinary journey to the perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, you’ll need a selection of fresh, quality ingredients that come together to create that signature taste. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll require, along with essential information and thoughtful substitution suggestions to help you tailor the recipe to your preferences. For exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Customization Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing how to substitute can elevate your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak experience. Here’s what you need to know:
The Perfect Melt: Choosing Your Cheese
CHEESE – Since a chicken Philly cheesesteak sandwich steps beyond the traditional “rules” of its beef-based cousin, you have delightful freedom when it comes to cheese selection. While we highly recommend the combination of creamy mozzarella and luscious Queso Blanco for an extra mouthwatering result, your palate is the ultimate guide. Other excellent choices that melt beautifully and deliver fantastic flavor include sharp provolone cheese, mild Swiss, classic American cheese, or even a swirl of iconic Cheez Whiz. Each option offers a slightly different character, so don’t hesitate to experiment to find your personal favorite or a blend of several!
Tender & Flavorful: Your Chicken Choice
CHICKEN – For this recipe, we opted for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized chunks, which integrate wonderfully with the sautéed vegetables. However, if you prefer a more traditional cheesesteak texture, you can absolutely slice the chicken thinly, mimicking the shaved beef preparation. This allows for quicker cooking and a more delicate mouthfeel. For those who enjoy a richer flavor and even more tender texture, chicken thighs are an outstanding substitute. They hold up well to cooking and provide a moist, succulent filling. Just ensure whatever cut you choose is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
The Foundation: Picking Your Bun
BUN – The foundation of any great cheesesteak is a superior bread roll, and for us, the hoagie roll is paramount. Its soft, chewy interior, combined with a sturdy exterior, makes it perfectly capable of holding heaps of delicious fillings without falling apart. This balance is crucial for an enjoyable, mess-free sandwich experience. If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where authentic Amoroso rolls are available, these are often considered the gold standard for cheesesteaks and would make an unparalleled choice. Look for rolls that are fresh and have a good structure to ensure they can handle all the goodness you’re about to pile on.
Essential Aromatics & Seasonings
Beyond the main components, don’t underestimate the power of the bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and seasoning blend (lemon pepper, garlic salt, onion powder). The combination of green and red bell peppers adds not only a vibrant color but also a sweet, earthy crunch. Onions, when properly sautéed, caramelize slightly, contributing a foundational sweetness and depth. The olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken and tenderizes the vegetables, while the lemon pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder provide a robust and balanced flavor profile, enhancing every ingredient.
Crafting Your Homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to assemble one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever taste! Making a homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize each stage and ensure your success. You can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post to get the printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions. Follow along to create a mouthwatering chicken Philly that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This warm oven will be perfect for toasting your hoagie buns and melting the cheese at the end, ensuring everything is served hot and gooey.
- Prepare your chicken breasts for even cooking. If you’re working with thick chicken breasts, it’s crucial to butterfly each one or gently pound them with a meat mallet to achieve an even thickness. This simple step guarantees that the chicken cooks uniformly and finishes at the same time, preventing dry spots or undercooked sections.
- In a small bowl, combine half of the olive oil with the lemon pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. This spice blend will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor. Generously spread this mixture all over both sides of the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated for maximum taste.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This indicates the oil is hot enough for a good sear. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Continue cooking until the chicken is beautifully browned on the exterior and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a cutting board to rest. It’s important not to clean out the skillet just yet; those browned bits and flavorful oils are essential for the vegetables.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion directly into the same skillet, utilizing the residual chicken drippings. Cook, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, typically about 3-5 minutes. They should be softened but still retain a slight bite and vibrant color.
- While the vegetables are cooking, chop the rested chicken into bite-sized chunks or thin slices, depending on your preference. Once the vegetables are tender, add the chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine all the delicious flavors.
- Pour the Queso Blanco dip over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated, and continue heating briefly until the queso is warm and bubbling. This creamy addition adds an incredible layer of richness. Turn off the skillet once thoroughly combined and heated through.
- Arrange your hoagie buns in a baking pan, opening them up to receive the filling. Evenly divide the flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture among all the sandwich buns. Generously top each sandwich with shredded mozzarella cheese, or your preferred melting cheese.
- Place the baking pan into your preheated oven and toast the sandwiches for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted. Serve immediately and enjoy your spectacular homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these tips and FAQs will help you master your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak and answer common queries.
To keep your leftovers tasting fresh, it’s best to store the chicken Philly cheesesteak mixture separately from the hoagie buns. Place the chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Storing the components separately prevents the bread from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the mixture gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave it in 30-second intervals. Once heated, assemble your sandwich by adding the warm mixture and fresh cheese on top of a bun. Toast the assembled sandwich in a toaster oven, air fryer, or conventional oven until the cheese is melted and the bun is lightly crispy. This method ensures a delightful texture every time.
The beauty of a homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak lies in its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding thinly sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions for an extra layer of umami. For a kick of heat, incorporate fresh or pickled jalapeños, or even some banana peppers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the finished sandwich can also elevate the spice level. Other popular additions include a touch of garlic butter brushed on the bread roll before toasting, or a creamy garlic aioli spread inside. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of peppers (like poblano or serrano) or even a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning in your chicken marinade for an herb-infused twist. The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your perfect Philly!
While a chicken cheesesteak is generally considered a “lighter” option, it’s not necessarily a low-calorie or diet meal, mainly due to the generous amounts of cheese and the bread roll. Chicken, particularly boneless, skinless chicken breast, is leaner than steak and provides a bit more protein per serving, making it a good choice if you’re looking to reduce red meat intake or boost your protein. However, the overall nutritional profile, including fat and calorie content, will depend heavily on the type and amount of cheese used, the oil for cooking, and the size of the hoagie roll. If your primary goal is to make it genuinely healthier, you can make a few modifications: opt for a whole wheat hoagie roll, use reduced-fat cheese, or skip the bun altogether and enjoy the flavorful chicken and veggie mixture in a bowl or wrapped in a large lettuce leaf. This deconstructed approach significantly cuts down on carbs and calories, allowing you to savor the taste without the extra indulgence.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
A delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with the right sides. For a classic American diner experience, serve your sandwiches alongside crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a generous handful of crunchy potato chips. Golden, battered onion rings also make an irresistible accompaniment, offering a complementary texture and flavor.
If you’re looking to balance the richness with something fresh, a crisp dill pickle spear on the side adds a welcome tang and crunch. For a lighter meal, consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. And remember, the versatility of the chicken cheesesteak mixture allows for creative serving ideas beyond the traditional hoagie. You can deconstruct it entirely, serving the flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture in a bowl as a lower-carb option, or wrap it in a large tortilla for a delicious and portable chicken Philly wrap. However you choose to serve it, this sandwich is sure to be a hit!
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other mouthwatering recipes that share similar flavor profiles or offer exciting twists on classic favorites. Dive into these related dishes for more culinary inspiration:
- Shrimp Roll: A fresh and flavorful seafood sandwich, perfect for a light lunch.
- Classic Philly Cheesesteak: The original, beef-filled icon that inspired this chicken version.
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip: All the irresistible flavors of a cheesesteak in a creamy, shareable dip.
- Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole version for family dinners.
- Philly Cheesesteak Cheesy Bread: A delightful appetizer or side dish loaded with savory cheesesteak toppings.
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Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
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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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts weighed after trimming
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 small green bell pepper about 1/2 cup sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper about 1/2 cup sliced
- ½ cup sliced onion
- ½ cup queso blanco dip
- 3 hoagie buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Things You’ll Need
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Large heavy bottomed skillet
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Baking sheet or baking dish
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- Feel free to customize your cheese! While mozzarella and Queso Blanco are fantastic, provolone, Swiss, American, or Cheez Whiz are also great melting options.
- You can cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks or thinly slice them, similar to the beef version. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor. Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- For the best bread, use good quality hoagie rolls. If you’re lucky enough to find Amoroso rolls, they are a superb traditional choice.
- To lighten the meal, consider serving the chicken mixture in a bowl without the hoagie roll, reducing carbs and calories.
- The chicken mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately from the buns. See FAQ for detailed storage and reheating instructions.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 250 F.
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If you have thick chicken breasts, butterfly each one, or gently pound with a meat mallet, to get them to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook quicker, and they are finished cooking at the same time.
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In a small bowl, mix together half of the olive oil, the lemon pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Spread mixture all over the chicken, both sides.
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Heat remaining olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 F.
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Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest. Do not clean out the skillet.
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Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
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Meanwhile chop chicken into bite sized chunks. Add chicken chunks to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine.
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Add Queso dip and stir to coat, heating through. Turn off skillet.
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Place hoagie buns in a baking pan and open them up. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among all the sandwich buns. Top each sandwich with mozzarella cheese.
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Place baking pan into preheated oven and toast sandwiches for 5 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- The chicken Philly cheesesteak mixture can be stored separately from the bun in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat chicken mixture over medium-low heat on the stovetop or pop it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add the mixture along with cheese on top of the bun and toast in a toaster oven, air fryer, or conventional oven.
- For a richer flavor and texture, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Achieve uniform cooking by butterflying or pounding thick chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as provolone, Swiss, or a mix, to find your favorite melt.
- Add extra veggies like sliced mushrooms or a touch of heat with fresh or pickled jalapeños to customize your sandwich.
Nutrition
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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.