Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, let’s dive into the delectable world of Chicken Philly Cheese Steak. You’re probably familiar with the classic Philly cheese steak – that mouthwatering combination of thinly sliced beef, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. But have you ever tried the chicken variation? Trust me, it’s a game-changer! In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite recipe for Chicken Philly Cheese Steak, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you returning for more. So, let’s get cooking! 🍴
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers (green, red, and/or yellow), sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Provolone cheese slices
- Hoagie rolls
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: mushrooms, jalapenos, etc.
Chicken Breast, Thinly Sliced: Begin by selecting fresh chicken breast and slicing it thinly. This ensures quick and even cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken strips.
Bell Peppers (Green, Red, and/or Yellow), Sliced: Select a mix of vibrant bell peppers to enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation. The natural sweetness of the peppers perfectly complements the savory Chicken, resulting in a harmonious and visually stunning meal.
Onion, Thinly Sliced: Slicing the onion thinly helps it caramelize evenly, enhancing its natural sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Provolone Cheese Slices: Provolone cheese brings a rich, creamy texture and a hint of tanginess to the Chicken Philly Cheese Steak, melting beautifully over the warm Chicken and vegetables.
Hoagie Rolls: The foundation of any good sandwich, hoagie rolls provide a soft yet sturdy vessel for holding all the delicious fillings together.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the Chicken, peppers, and onions, olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor. It helps achieve that perfect golden brown sear.
G. Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the flavors of the Chicken and vegetables, ensuring a well-balanced and delicious final dish.
H. Optional Toppings: Mushrooms, Jalapenos, etc.: Get creative with your toppings! Add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor or jalapenos for a spicy kick. The options are endless, so feel free to customize your taste preferences.
Preparation
Preheat a Skillet or Grill Pan Over Medium Heat: Before we start cooking, it’s essential to preheat our cooking surface. Whether using a skillet or a grill pan, medium heat is ideal for achieving that perfect sear on the Chicken and vegetables without burning them.
Season the Chicken Slices with Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the chicken slices with salt and pepper enhances their flavor and helps tenderize the meat and ensure a well-seasoned dish.
Heat Olive Oil in the Skillet: Adding olive oil to the skillet provides a flavorful base for cooking our Chicken and vegetables. It prevents them from sticking to the pan.
Sauté the Onions and Peppers Until Soft and Caramelized: Sautéing the onions and peppers until soft and caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth and complexity to our Chicken Philly Cheese Steak.
Remove the Vegetables and Set Aside: Once the onions and peppers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This ensures that they stay warm while we cook the Chicken.
Cook the chicken slices in the same skillet until browned and cooked: Now, it’s time to cook the star of our dish – the Chicken! Cooking the chicken slices in the same skillet allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors from the onions, peppers, and olive oil, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken strips.
Assembly
Split the Hoagie Rolls and Place Them on a Baking Sheet: Start by gently splitting open the hoagie rolls, laying them open-faced on a baking sheet. This provides a sturdy base for building our sandwiches and allows the rolls to toast evenly in the Oven.
Layer the Cooked Chicken Slices on One Side of the Rolls: Take the cooked chicken slices and layer them generously on one side of each hoagie roll. This ensures that every bite is packed with tender, flavorful chicken goodness.
Top the Chicken with the Sautéed Onions and Peppers: Spoon the sautéed onions and peppers over the chicken slices. The caramelized onions and peppers add a sweet and savory flavor that perfectly complements the Chicken.
Place Provolone Cheese Slices on Top: Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Place provolone cheese slices on top of the onions and peppers, ensuring each sandwich is generously covered with melty, gooey cheese.
Broil in the Oven Until the Cheese is Melted and Bubbly. Preheat your Oven’s broiler and carefully place the assembled sandwiches inside. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the hoagie rolls are lightly toasted.
Carefully Remove from the Oven: Once the cheese is melted to perfection and the hoagie rolls are golden brown, carefully remove the baking sheet from the Oven. Use a spatula to transfer the sandwiches to serving plates, and get ready to enjoy your delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks!
Serving
Serve Hot, with Optional Toppings like Mushrooms or Jalapenos: Once your Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks are hot and ready, it’s time to personalize them with your favorite toppings. Add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor or jalapenos for a spicy kick. Get creative and tailor each sandwich to your taste preferences!
Accompany with Your Favorite Side Dishes, Such as Fries or Potato Salad: Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks pair perfectly with various side dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy fries, creamy potato salad, or a refreshing side salad, choose your favorite accompaniment to round out the meal and satisfy your cravings.
Enjoy Your Delicious Chicken Philly Cheese Steak!: Now that everything is plated and ready to go, it’s time to sit back, relax, and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of your homemade Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks. Gather around the table with friends and family, take a bite, and savor every delicious moment. Bon appétit!
Tips
Let’s dive into some helpful tips to elevate your Chicken Philly Cheese Steak game:
Use a Mix of Green, Red, and Yellow Bell Peppers for Added Flavor and Color: Incorporating a variety of bell pepper colors adds visual appeal to your dish and enhances its flavor profile. Each type of bell pepper brings unique sweetness and subtle differences in taste, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful Chicken Philly Cheese Steak.
Choose Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast for Quick Cooking: Opting for thinly sliced chicken breast ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly, allowing you to whip up your Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks in no time. Thinner slices of Chicken absorb flavors more readily, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Toast the Hoagie Rolls Before Assembling for Extra Crunch: Want to take your Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks to the next level? Toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling them adds an irresistible crunch to each bite. Pop the rolls in the Oven for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside while still soft and fluffy on the inside.
Experiment with Different Cheese Varieties like Cheddar or Swiss for Unique Flavors: While provolone cheese is a classic choice for Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different cheese varieties. Try swapping out the provolone for cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a unique twist on this beloved dish. Each cheese brings its distinct flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to your Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks.
With these handy tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating the ultimate Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Additional Ideas
Make it Spicy by Adding Hot Sauce or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Elevate your Chicken Philly Cheese Steak by adding a touch of heat with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. This fiery addition ignites your taste buds, amplifying the flavors and transforming your sandwich into a sensational culinary experience.
Substitute Chicken with Thinly Sliced Steak for a More Traditional Philly Cheese Steak: While Chicken is a fantastic choice for a lighter twist on the classic Philly cheese steak, traditionalists may prefer the rich and savory flavor of thinly sliced steak. Swap out the Chicken for beef steak strips and follow the same cooking process for a more traditional take on this beloved dish.
Add a Spread of Mayonnaise or Aioli for Extra Creaminess: For an extra creamy and indulgent Chicken Philly Cheese Steak experience, consider adding a spread of mayonnaise or aioli to the inside of the hoagie rolls before layering on the Chicken, onions, peppers, and cheese. This adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Serve with a Side of Homemade Coleslaw or Pickles for a Refreshing Contrast: Balance out the richness of your Chicken Philly Cheese Steak by serving it with a side of homemade coleslaw or pickles. The crisp and tangy flavors of the coleslaw or pickles provide a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
FAQ
Yes, make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
Yes, but the hoagie rolls may become soggy, so it’s best to assemble before serving.
Absolutely; feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for unique flavors.
Of course, but they add flavor and texture to the dish.
Grilling the Chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect Chicken Philly Cheese Steak is a delightful journey through flavors and textures. Each ingredient is crucial in creating a mouthwatering masterpiece, from the tender, thinly sliced chicken breast to the colorful array of bell peppers and onions. Whether you stick to the classic provolone cheese or venture into new territory with different cheese varieties, the result is always a satisfying blend of savory goodness. With the additional ideas to customize your sandwich and helpful tips to enhance the cooking process, you’re equipped to create a Chicken Philly Cheese Steak that’s sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless appeal of this beloved dish.
