If you’re obsessed with big flavor and minimal cleanup, this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. Inspired by the irresistible Philly classic, this one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey provolone cheese—all ready in just 30 minutes and bursting with comfort food vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Philly Cheesesteak Flavor, No Roll Required: Satisfy that classic sandwich craving in a lighter, gluten-free way—just grab a fork!
- One Skillet Means Less Mess: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a total breeze (hello, weeknight sanity).
- 30-Minute Dinner Hero: Start to finish, this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet comes together astonishingly fast—even on your busiest days.
- Customizable for Everyone: Easily swap cheeses, add mushrooms, or spice things up so everyone at the table gets their favorite version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is its short but mighty ingredient list, each bringing something special to the party. Bright peppers, juicy chicken, aromatic onions, and that melty cheese—these all come together for incredible taste and texture in every bite.
- Olive oil: Divided for sautéing veggies and browning the chicken—gives everything a rich, savory base.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced for just the right sweetness and depth as it caramelizes.
- Red and green bell peppers: A pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness, plus classic cheesesteak flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin so they cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Gives the chicken a herby, aromatic lift that makes every bite sing.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that plays so well with the gooey cheese.
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Season generously for the brightest, boldest flavors.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Melts into stretchy, creamy decadence—truly the heart of every Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet!
Variations
One of the joys of this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or pantry staples. Make it your own by experimenting with protein swaps, different cheeses, or extra veggies—there’s really no wrong way!
- Beef it up: Swap in thinly sliced steak or ground beef to channel true Philly spirit.
- Go spicy: Toss in hot cherry peppers or a little sliced jalapeño for a fiery kick.
- Cheese lovers’ edition: Use a blend of provolone, mozzarella, and even a little American cheese for ultra-creamy meltiness.
- Low-carb upgrades: Double the veggies or spoon the filling into hollowed-out bell pepper halves before melting the cheese.
- Mushroom magic: Add sautéed mushrooms alongside your peppers and onions for even deeper earthy notes.
How to Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in those sliced onions and bell peppers, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are beautifully softened and the onions are golden about the edges—this step really brings out their sweetness. Once the vegetables are tender, scoop them onto a plate (don’t forget to save any juices) and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Drizzle that second tablespoon of olive oil into the now-empty skillet and let it heat up. Add your thinly sliced chicken, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and more salt and pepper. Spread the chicken out in a single layer—let it sizzle, undisturbed, for a couple of minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust. Then give it a stir and sauté until it’s just cooked through and crispy-edged.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Return the sautéed onions and peppers (plus any juices on the plate) to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together so the flavors mingle and the skillet looks vibrant and mouthwatering. Sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over the top, then cover the skillet and lower the heat. Give it a couple minutes until the cheese is irresistible and gooey—then serve up that glorious Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet straight from the pan!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
- Super Thin Slices: For the best texture, partially freeze the chicken breasts for 15 minutes—this makes shaving them into thin pieces a total breeze.
- Veggie Caramelization: Don’t rush the onions and peppers—an extra minute or two gives you that classic cheesesteak sweetness.
- Cheese Coverage: Sprinkle cheese all the way to the skillet edges—each bite should get its fair share of gooey goodness!
- Crowd Feeding: Double up the recipe in a really big skillet (or two side by side) for parties or family gatherings—this dish is always a hit!
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a cheery finish and freshness that pops against the melty cheese. For a little heat, add sliced pickled peppers or even a dash of hot sauce right before serving. If you love the classic Philly zip, a few dill pickle chips on the side work wonders!
Side Dishes
The Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is hearty all by itself, but you can’t go wrong with a side of crispy oven fries, a pile of kettle chips, or a crisp green salad for something lighter. For a more filling meal, stuff the skillet contents into toasted hoagie rolls with a swipe of mayo or garlic butter—you’ll be in sandwich heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, spoon the filling into slider buns or serve it nacho-style over crunchy tortilla chips with extra cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Turn leftovers into wraps, or roll the mixture up in a whole wheat tortilla for the ultimate on-the-go lunch. You can even tuck the cheesy goodness into bell pepper halves and bake for a vibrant, veggie-forward meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet into an airtight container and slip it into the fridge as soon as it’s cooled. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and makes a delicious grab-and-reheat lunch the next day.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind the peppers and onions will soften more and the cheese may become a little grainy. If you do freeze, cool the mixture completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet back to its gooey, melty best, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot throughout, adding a splash of water if it needs loosening. Or, microwave individual portions on medium power in 30-second bursts, giving them a good stir between each round.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are every bit as delicious—if not more so. They’re a bit juicier and have great flavor, so just slice them thinly like you would the breasts and follow the recipe as written.
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What other cheeses can I use besides provolone?
Try mozzarella for a super stretchy result, white American cheese for extra creaminess, or even Swiss. You can use any melty cheese you love, or blend a couple together for more depth.
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How do I keep the chicken from getting dry?
The key is not to overcook those thin slices! Let the chicken sear undisturbed to lock in moisture, then just cook it through before adding the veggies back in. Also, avoid super high heat after you add the cheese—let it melt gently.
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Is this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it’s fully gluten-free. Just double check that your seasoning blends and smoked paprika aren’t hiding any gluteny additives, and enjoy as-is or with gluten-free rolls if you like.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is comfort food magic, plain and simple. It’s speedy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—just the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want a meal that feels like a hug. Treat yourself and let this skillet become a staple in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey provolone cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Vegetable Mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Chicken:
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté peppers, onion, salt, and pepper until tender. Remove from skillet.
- Cook Chicken: Add remaining oil to skillet. Cook chicken with seasonings until browned and cooked through. Add back vegetables and top with cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Cover skillet until cheese melts. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over rice.
- You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
