This easy chicken cheesesteak skillet brings together juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese in a one-pan dish. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here, as they’re lean and cook quickly. If you’re in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time—just add it in the last step to heat through.
Bell Peppers: I love using colorful bell peppers for a vibrant dish! If you’re out of one color, mix and match—yellow or even orange peppers work great. For a spicy twist, try using jalapeños!
Onion: Yellow onion is ideal for sweetness, but you can replace it with white or red onions. If you want a milder flavor, green onions are a fun alternative, adding a little freshness.
Cheese: Provolone is classic for cheesesteaks, but mozzarella melts beautifully too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for some extra spice, or even a non-dairy cheese if needed!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky. Here’s my tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the chicken to sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot, then add the olive oil.
- Add chicken in a single layer; let it sit for a moment before stirring for better browning.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
This technique helps achieve that perfect tender texture and adds wonderful flavor to your dish! Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or cooked rice for serving
Time Estimate
This quick and easy recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15 minutes cooking everything in one skillet. It’s a speedy and delicious option for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken strips to the skillet. Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized. This will bring out the sweetness of the onions and bell peppers!
3. Combine and Melt the Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together to combine well and heat through. Now, sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be nice and gooey!
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. You can serve the chicken cheesesteak mixture straight from the skillet or spoon it into hoagie rolls for delicious sandwiches. Alternatively, serve it over cooked rice for a hearty and comforting meal. Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy, and colorful Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely beforehand! You can thaw by leaving it in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker method. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, mozzarella is a great alternative and will melt beautifully. You can also try cheddar for a sharper flavor or pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well for that gooey cheesesteak effect!
How to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also use tofu or tempeh to keep the protein content while still enjoying that cheesy, savory flavor!