These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a tasty twist on the classic. Juicy chicken meets melted cheese and colorful veggies, all packed into a soft bun!
Honestly, there’s something magical about the gooey cheese pulling away as you take a bite. I love adding a bit of hot sauce for a fun kick—it’s a winner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Diced chicken breasts are the star of this sandwich. If you’re looking for a shortcut, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly too. Just shred it and skip the cooking step!
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan of onions, try shallots or even leeks for a milder flavor. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, can also enhance the sweetness when caramelized.
Green Bell Pepper: While I used green bell pepper for its slightly bitter kick, any color bell pepper works well here. Red or yellow ones add more sweetness, and even roasted red peppers can give a unique flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is my top choice for its melting quality and flavor. If you’re after something different, Monterey Jack or even Cheddar can give you great results. Just ensure it melts well!
Hoagie Rolls: Traditional hoagie rolls are great, but if you want something heartier, a baguette or even a sub roll will do. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
How to Cook Chicken Perfectly for a Sandwich?
Cooking the chicken right is crucial for your sandwich. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked without becoming dry. First, season your chicken cubes well to lock in flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
- Add seasoning right after you put the chicken in the pan. Garlic powder and paprika give it a great kick and color.
- Cook until the chicken is browned, taking about 5-7 minutes. Ensure it’s cooked through by using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this prevents browning. If you have lots of chicken, consider cooking it in batches.
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 4 hoagie rolls
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Additional toppings like lettuce or tomato
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken and season it with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the thinly sliced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 more minutes. This will help soften the vegetables and combine the flavors beautifully.
3. Melt the Cheese:
Once the chicken and veggies are cooked to your liking, place a slice of cheese on top of the mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
4. Prepare the Hoagie Rolls:
While the cheese is melting, preheat your oven or heat up a pan to lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Toast them until they are golden brown, which adds extra flavor and crunch to your sandwiches!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take the toasted hoagie rolls and stuff them generously with the chicken and cheese mixture from the skillet. Feel free to add any optional toppings, like sliced jalapeños, lettuce, or tomato, to make it even more delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches immediately while they’re warm and gooey. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. This ensures even cooking and prevents any food safety issues. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to help it brown better.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute provolone cheese with other types like mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. Just use enough to cover the chicken mixture in the skillet for that gooey, cheesy finish!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance! Cook the chicken and veggies, then cool them and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat the mixture in a skillet and melt the cheese on top before stuffing the hoagie rolls.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, but if using the microwave, be careful not to overheat the rolls as they can become tough. You might want to reintroduce some moisture by wrapping the sandwich in a damp paper towel while reheating.
