These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a delicious twist on the classic! Tender chicken is sautéed with peppers and onions, then topped with melted cheese and served on a soft bun. Yum!
It’s like a hug in sandwich form! I love to add extra veggies or slather on some spicy mayo for a kick. Perfect for lunch or dinner, and super easy to whip up any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. If you want a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works well too!
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but feel free to swap it for canola oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Each adds a different subtle flavor.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These veggies are key for flavor. You can switch green bell pepper for red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. Red onions can replace regular onions for a bit of sweetness, too!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone gives a lovely melting quality, but mozzarella or cheddar also make tasty substitutes. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese alternative.
Hoagie Rolls: Traditional hoagie rolls work best, but any sub roll or even a baguette can work in a pinch. For a healthier option, check out whole-grain or gluten-free rolls.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right is crucial for a delicious sandwich. Here’s how to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Use a skillet at medium heat, which prevents the chicken from toughening up. Overcooking is the enemy here!
- Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced; this helps it cook evenly and quickly in about 6-8 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking.
This method will keep your chicken deliciously tender and flavorful, perfect for your sandwiches!
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of your choice)
For The Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or other toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes total, including cooking and baking time. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll be enjoying your tasty Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked. This is where the flavors start to come together!
3. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors mix nicely. Everything should smell amazing right about now!
4. Prepare the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, slice the hoagie rolls open down the middle, creating a pocket for your delicious filling. Be careful not to slice all the way through!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to fill those rolls! Take each hoagie and fill it with the chicken, onion, and bell pepper mixture. Make sure to pack it in nicely. Then, top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the filled sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is when your kitchen will really start to smell incredible!
7. Add Optional Toppings & Serve:
Once you take the sandwiches out of the oven, feel free to add any additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, if you like it spicy. Serve your sandwiches warm and enjoy every bite of your Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use thighs or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If using thighs, be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking. If using rotisserie chicken, just warm it up before combining with the sautéed veggies.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or using spicy cheese like pepper jack. You can also sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even tofu. Just sauté them until tender and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian version!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.