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Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks bring a comforting, quick meal to your table with tender slices of chicken, melted provolone, and perfectly sautéed peppers and onions. This dish combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it ideal for a satisfying dinner when time is limited but you still want something hearty.
I first made this on a hectic evening and was amazed at how quickly it came together and how much my family loved it. Now it’s a go-to dinner whenever I want something fast and delicious without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: thinly sliced for tender, quick cooking
- Hoagie rolls: sturdy enough to hold juicy fillings without falling apart
- Yellow onion: brings a natural sweetness and richness when sautéed
- Bell peppers: add bright color and a subtle crunch choose firm and vibrant ones
- Garlic: minced fresh for aromatic depth
- Worcestershire sauce: adds umami and a slight tangy note
- Olive oil: for a healthy and flavorful cooking fat
- Unsalted butter: enriches the pan for a luscious finish
- Italian seasoning: optional but enhances with herbs like oregano and basil
- Kosher salt: makes for even seasoning
- Black pepper: for a mild, warm spice
- Provolone or white American cheese: melts well and adds creamy sharpness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slicing the Chicken:
- Begin by thinly slicing the chicken against the grain; this helps the meat stay tender and cook quickly. Aim for even slices around a quarter-inch thick.
- Seasoning the Meat:
- Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and if you’re using Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken pieces. This base seasoning builds flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sautéing the Vegetables:
- Heat one teaspoon of olive oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove the veggies to a plate.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet and let the butter melt. Place the chicken slices in a single layer and let them sear until golden on one side before stirring. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes total.
- Bringing It All Together:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly, ensuring every bite has that savory depth.
- Melting the Cheese:
- Place 6 to 8 slices of provolone or white American cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the cheese melt fully, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Spoon the cheesy chicken and pepper mixture into split hoagie rolls. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover the sandwich with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes to keep the bread from getting soggy and the cheese creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have hoagie rolls, a soft baguette or even sturdy sandwich buns work well. Try smoked gouda or mozzarella as cheese alternatives if provolone is unavailable. Chicken thighs can be swapped with thinly sliced beef for a classic Philly steak experience.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or simple coleslaw for freshness. For a heartier meal, crispy potato wedges or baked fries make a perfect side.
Cultural Context
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The Philly Cheese Steak originates from Philadelphia and traditionally uses thinly sliced ribeye steak. This chicken version puts a lighter spin on the classic, offering a family-friendly twist that cooks faster and appeals to more palates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs sliced thinly are ideal, as they cook quickly and stay tender.
- → How can I get the peppers and onions soft but not mushy?
Cook them over medium heat until just softened, stirring occasionally to maintain texture without overcooking.
- → What cheese melts best in this preparation?
Provolone or white American cheese are perfect choices because they melt smoothly and add creamy richness.
- → Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
It adds a subtle tangy depth to the chicken and veggies but can be omitted or substituted with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and sautéed vegetables can be cooked in advance and assembled just before serving to save time.