This Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet combines tender chicken with colorful veggies and gooey cheese. It’s a quick one-pan dish that tastes amazing and makes cleanup a breeze!
If you’re like me, you might put extra cheese on top—I mean, who can resist that? 😄 I love serving it with crusty bread for a fun dinner that’s super easy to whip up on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well here for tender bites. You can substitute with thinly sliced turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: This recipe uses green and red peppers for color and sweetness. You can mix it up with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even use jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Cheese: I love provolone for its meltiness. If you can’t find it, mozzarella is a great substitute. For a richer flavor, try using cheddar or Swiss instead.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice depth, but regular paprika or chili powder could also work. Don’t hesitate to adjust based on your spice preference!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Vegetables?
Cooking the onions and bell peppers to the right texture is key to this dish. You’ll want them soft but still with a bit of bite left, which adds great flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your oil on medium-high heat. This helps the veggies cook quickly.
- Add the onions and a pinch of salt to the pan first. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring. This will help draw out their moisture and sweetness.
- Then, toss in the bell peppers. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until they soften but still have some crispness.
Following these steps will give you delicious veggies that complement the chicken perfectly!
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
- Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Spices:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella as an alternative)
- Optional: Hoagie rolls or sandwich bread to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want to make sure it’s nice and hot for the best flavor.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a bit of color, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
3. Adding Garlic:
Once the veggies look good, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell that delicious aroma!
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the chicken strips in a single layer. This way, they cook evenly.
5. Seasoning:
Sprinkle the chicken with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it up to ensure everything gets nice flavor.
6. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Combining Everything:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir everything together, tasting and adjusting the seasoning if you need a bit more salt or pepper.
8. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the cheese can melt deliciously.
9. Serving:
Serve the cheesy chicken and peppers hot! You can enjoy it straight from the skillet or spoon it into hoagie rolls or sandwich bread for the classic cheesesteak experience.
Enjoy your quick, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken can save you time. Simply add it to the skillet after the veggies have cooked, and just heat until warmed through. You may want to skip the initial cooking time for the chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella is a great alternative due to its melting quality. Alternatively, you can use cheddar for a sharper flavor, or Swiss cheese for a classic twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or heat on the stove until warmed through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just be sure to slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time so everything is tender and cooked through.
