Let me share a little secret: this chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe has been a game-changer for my weeknight dinners. Picture this: You've had a long day. You want something hearty yet quick. Enter this recipe.
It’s packed with protein, colorful veggies, and melting cheese, all nestled in a soft roll. The best part? It's flexible! You can adapt the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge.
With every bite, you’ll experience the rich flavors reminiscent of a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, but with the heart-healthy twist of chicken. Plus, it’s always a hit with family and friends!
My Journey with These Ingredients
When crafting this wonderful sandwich, I always think about balance. Chicken breast or thighs? I go for thighs. They’re juicy and flavorful. Next, I eyeball my spices. Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika create a savory depth.
Onions and bell peppers add a sweet crunch, while spinach sneaks in that green goodness under the melted provolone. Meanwhile, avocado oil keeps everything moist and enriches the flavor without the heaviness of butter.
Let’s not forget the bread! A good sausage roll or hoagie bun makes all the difference. With minimal effort, this dish sings with flavors. I remember the first time I made it and the look on my partner’s face. He couldn’t get enough!
Ingredients List
8 ounces of chicken breast or thighs (boneless, trimmed of any excess fat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons of avocado oil, divided
1 teaspoon of Italian herb blend
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup of baby spinach leaves (for added texture and freshness)
4 slices of provolone cheese
2 sausage rolls
How to Make Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken is ready. I prefer to cut the chicken into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and lets those flavors mingle. Season generously with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece is coated—flavor is key!
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Wait for it to shimmer a bit. A hot pan will give your chicken that lovely golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Allow it to sear for about 5-7 minutes without stirring too much. This step locks in moisture. You want it beautifully browned before giving it a flip to sear the other side. Once cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Keep stirring occasionally. The sweetness of the veggies emerging is something special.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once your veggies have softened, return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding in the baby spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. You can even let it cook for another minute so everything combines beautifully.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Now, it's time to get cheesy! Lay the provolone slices over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes. The steam will help melt that glorious cheese.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
While the cheese is melting, slice the sausage rolls horizontally. You don’t want to cut all the way through—just enough to open them up. Toast them lightly if you like a bit of crunch. Once the cheese has melted, carefully spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into the rolls.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your chicken Philly cheesesteak hot, perhaps with a side of fries or coleslaw. Get your napkins ready; it's going to be a delicious and messy adventure!
Recipe Notes
Chicken: Using thighs instead of breasts provides more flavor and moisture, which can significantly elevate your dish.
Avocado Oil: It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for sautéing without breaking down or losing flavor. Plus, it has healthy fats that are good for your heart.
Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can mix it up with cheddar or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! Add mushrooms for an earthy taste or jalapeños for some heat.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Chicken Philly: Add diced jalapeños to the chicken and vegetables for a kick.
Veggie Delight: Skip the chicken! Make it a cheesy veggie sandwich with extra mushrooms and spinach.
BBQ Chicken Philly: Mix in some BBQ sauce instead of the spices for a sweet twist.
Mushroom Lovers: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms along with the veggies for a meaty texture without adding meat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps for a lighter option that still delivers flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying meal that doesn’t take all night to prepare, this chicken Philly cheesesteak is your answer. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and lots of melted cheese, it’s sure to impress.
Plus, the best part is the adaptability of the ingredients. So, get in the kitchen and enjoy this delightful sandwich with your loved ones. Your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 5 minsCook Time: 15 minsTotal Time: 20 mins
Servings2
Calories570 kcal
Best Season
Suitable throughout the year
Description
Now that you've got your chicken Philly cheesesteaks sizzling, it's time to think about what to serve alongside them. You can’t go wrong with golden fries or crispy onion rings. Maybe a light salad to balance out the richness?
A tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly, cutting through the savory cheese and tender chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up some homemade potato chips, seasoned to your liking. Trust me; they’ll be the perfect crunchy counterpart to this saucy delight.
Ingredients
8ounces chicken breast or thighs (boneless, trimmed of any excess fat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2tablespoons avocado oil, divided
1teaspoon Italian herb blend
1/2teaspoon garlic powder
1/4teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
1/2large onion, thinly sliced
1/2medium red bell pepper, sliced
1/2medium green bell pepper, sliced
1/4cup baby spinach leaves (for added texture and freshness)
4slices provolone cheese
2sausage rolls
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by ensuring your chicken is ready. I prefer to cut the chicken into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and lets those flavors mingle. Season generously with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece is coated—flavor is key!
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Wait for it to shimmer a bit. A hot pan will give your chicken that lovely golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Allow it to sear for about 5-7 minutes without stirring too much. This step locks in moisture. You want it beautifully browned before giving it a flip to sear the other side. Once cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Keep stirring occasionally. The sweetness of the veggies emerging is something special.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once your veggies have softened, return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding in the baby spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. You can even let it cook for another minute so everything combines beautifully.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Now, it's time to get cheesy! Lay the provolone slices over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes. The steam will help melt that glorious cheese.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
While the cheese is melting, slice the sausage rolls horizontally. You don’t want to cut all the way through—just enough to open them up. Toast them lightly if you like a bit of crunch. Once the cheese has melted, carefully spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into the rolls.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your chicken Philly cheesesteak hot, perhaps with a side of fries or coleslaw. Get your napkins ready; it's going to be a delicious and messy adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories490kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat32.1g50%
Saturated Fat11.9g60%
Cholesterol121mg41%
Sodium549mg23%
Total Carbohydrate8g3%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars4g
Protein41g82%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chicken: Using thighs instead of breasts provides more flavor and moisture, which can significantly elevate your dish.
Avocado Oil: It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for sautéing without breaking down or losing flavor. Plus, it has healthy fats that are good for your heart.
Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can mix it up with cheddar or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! Add mushrooms for an earthy taste or jalapeños for some heat.
Keywords:
Chicken philly cheesesteak recipe
Irene Adkins
Registered dietitian, traveller and food blogger
I’m Irene Adkins, a registered dietitian and creator of Delicious Meal Ideas. Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I developed a passion for simple, flavorful cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. Through my blog, I share easy, healthy recipes that bring joy to everyday meals, making home cooking fun and accessible for everyone.