How to Make the Perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak at Home

There’s something truly special about a hot, gooey cheesesteak—it’s the ultimate comfort food. But what if we told you that you could capture all that savoury magic with a delightful chicken twist? You can, and we’re here to guide you through every step. Crafting the perfect chicken Philly cheesesteak in your own kitchen is simpler, quicker, and more satisfying than you might imagine.

Consider this recipe our tribute to an American classic, thoughtfully reimagined for the modern home cook. We’ve substituted the traditional beef with tender, thinly sliced chicken breast that cooks up beautifully in just a few minutes. The result is a meal bursting with flavour, wonderfully adaptable, and practically guaranteed to have your family clamouring for more. Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a sandwich that truly ticks all the boxes.

What is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?

A Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a popular variation of the legendary sandwich that hails from Philadelphia. The original, famously created by Pat and Harry Olivieri in the 1930s, consists of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese crammed into a long, crisp hoagie roll. It has a storied history within its home city. Our version simply swaps the steak for chicken, offering a superb alternative for those who favour poultry or are just seeking a new take on a classic.

The fundamental elements that make the sandwich so beloved are all present: tender protein, softened vegetables like onions and bell peppers, and a generous cascade of melted cheese. This combination creates a rich, flavourful, and utterly delightful sandwich that honours the original’s legacy while establishing itself as a modern favourite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wonderfully Quick: As a quick chicken dinner, this recipe is a real lifesaver. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you crave something special without the long cooking time.
• Full of Flavour: We rely on a smart blend of seasonings, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and fresh garlic to make sure every morsel of chicken and veg is packed with delicious, savoury notes.
• Effortlessly Customisable: This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to add mushrooms, or if you enjoy a bit of heat, introduce some chilli flakes or sliced jalapeños. It’s easy to tailor it to your family’s tastes.
• Lighter but Still Hearty: Using lean chicken breast offers a lighter alternative to the beef version, yet it remains incredibly filling and satisfying.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: It’s one of those meals that everyone agrees on, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner, a casual weekend lunch, or a game day celebration.

Ingredients

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• olive oil
• bell peppers
• Worcestershire sauce
• black pepper
• onion powder
• Provolone cheese
• hoagie rolls

How to Make the Best Homemade chicken cheesesteak

Just follow our straightforward steps below to whip up a cheesesteak that tastes like it came from a gourmet sandwich shop. We’ve laid everything out to ensure the process is as easy as can be.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

   For that authentic cheesesteak texture, thinly sliced meat is essential. To achieve this with ease, pop the chicken breasts in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This firms them up just enough for you to slice them wafer-thin without a struggle. While the chicken is chilling, you can slice your onions, bell peppers, and any other veg, and mince your garlic. Getting all your prep done first (your mise en place) makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

   In a large skillet or frying pan, heat your olive oil over a medium-high heat. Tumble in the sliced onions and bell peppers, and if you’re including mushrooms, add them now too. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring now and then, until they have softened and started to sweeten and caramelise. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Scoop the vegetables out of the pan and set them aside.

3. Step 3: Cook the Chicken

   To the same hot pan, add the finely sliced chicken, perhaps with another touch of oil. Arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure it sears nicely. You may need to work in batches if your pan is crowded, as this prevents the chicken from steaming. Season generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook for 4–6 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has some lovely golden-brown colour.

4. Step 4: Combine and Get Cheesy

   Turn the heat down to low and return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Give everything a good stir, then pour in the Worcestershire sauce, mixing until all the ingredients are well-coated. Now, group the mixture into four sections within your pan. Drape two slices of Provolone cheese over each section and allow it to melt completely. The residual heat will transform the cheese into a gloriously gooey topping in a minute or two.

5. Step 5: Assemble Your Philly style chicken sandwich

   As the cheese melts, get your rolls ready. Split them open, lightly butter the insides, and toast them until they are golden and crisp. You can do this in a clean pan, on a griddle, or under the grill. Don’t skip this, as it creates a barrier that stops the bread from becoming soggy. Once toasted, use a spatula to lift each portion of the cheesy chicken filling and slide it into a warm roll. Serve straight away and embrace the cheesy goodness!

What to Serve with Your Bell pepper chicken sandwich

Although this sandwich is wonderfully filling on its own, adding a simple side can turn it into a truly memorable meal. Here are a few of our top suggestions:

• Classic Chips (French Fries): A generous serving of hot, salty chips is the perfect, classic accompaniment.
• Onion Rings: The satisfying crunch and sweetness of onion rings provide a delightful contrast to the savoury sandwich.
• A Simple Salad: To keep things on the lighter side, a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette will balance the richness of the cheese.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and creamy coleslaw brings a cool, crunchy element that complements the warm filling beautifully.

FAQ

Your New Favourite Weeknight Sandwich

So, that’s our guide to creating a truly spectacular Chicken Philly Cheesesteak right in your own kitchen. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a trip to a speciality shop to enjoy this legendary sandwich. When you make it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients and can enjoy it the moment it’s ready, with the cheese perfectly melted and gooey.

We truly hope this homemade chicken cheesesteak becomes a regular feature on your meal plan. If you try it, please let us know how it turned out! We’d love for you to leave a comment below to share your experience or any unique touches you added. In search of more great chicken ideas? Be sure to check out our Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers or our incredibly flavourful Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe.

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8 slices Provolone cheese
• 4 hoagie rolls

Instructions

1. Prep: For easier slicing, partially freeze chicken for 20-30 minutes before slicing thinly. While chicken chills, slice the onion and bell peppers.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened and caramelised. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir everything together. Divide the mixture into four sections in the pan and top each with 2 slices of Provolone cheese. Allow the cheese to melt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Assemble: Split the hoagie rolls and toast them until golden. Use a spatula to transfer each cheesy chicken portion into a warm roll. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 785 kcal, Carbs: 55 g, Protein: 72 g, Fat: 31 g