There’s something unforgettable about biting into a hot sandwich filled with juicy meat, gooey cheese, and caramelized vegetables. While the traditional beef Philly cheesesteak has its own charm, the chicken Philly cheesesteak offers a lighter, equally satisfying twist that you’ll want to make again and again. If you love deconstructed versions, you might also enjoy this Philly Cheesesteak Bowl for a low-carb, bread-free option.
Imagine tender slices of seasoned chicken paired with sautéed onions and peppers, all tucked inside a toasted hoagie roll, then smothered with melted provolone or mozzarella. It’s comfort food that’s both easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve at gatherings.
If you’re ready to bring big flavor to your kitchen without a lot of fuss, this recipe is for you.
What Is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?
A chicken Philly cheesesteak is simply a variation of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, but instead of beef, you use thinly sliced chicken. It’s every bit as hearty but offers a leaner protein option that still delivers bold flavor.
The key ingredients usually include:
- Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs
- Caramelized onions and bell peppers
- Melted provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Soft hoagie rolls
This combination makes it a filling and balanced sandwich that’s lighter than its beef counterpart, yet still indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
You’ll quickly see why this sandwich earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
Healthier but Just as Satisfying
Chicken provides the comfort of a cheesesteak while reducing some of the richness associated with beef.
Easy Weeknight Meal
With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have dinner on the table.
Perfect for Sharing
These sandwiches are great for game nights, casual lunches, or even meal-prepped dinners.
For more quick and balanced meal ideas, try my Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls or Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls—they’re just as satisfying and easy to prep.
Ingredients for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
You don’t need anything fancy to pull this together—just a few kitchen staples and fresh ingredients.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms for extra umami flavor
- Jalapeños for a spicy twist
- Mayo, aioli, or mustard as sandwich spreads
How to Make Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Making this recipe is simple, but the little details make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Prepare the Chicken
Slice your chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly. Flavor with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, cook the sliced onions and peppers until they are softened and caramelized. This step is what gives the sandwich its signature sweetness.
Combine Chicken and Veggies
Mix the cooked chicken with the peppers and onions in the skillet so every bite gets flavor from both.
Add the Cheese
Top the chicken and veggies with provolone or mozzarella. Cover the skillet briefly until the cheese has melted and become gooey.
Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the hoagie rolls lightly for added crunch. Load them with the cheesy chicken and veggie mixture, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Slice chicken thinly: It cooks faster and makes the sandwich easier to eat.
- Use bakery-style rolls: Soft but sturdy hoagie rolls hold everything together.
- Toast lightly: A little crunch adds texture without overpowering the fillings.
- Don’t skimp on cheese: Melty cheese is what ties the sandwich together.
Variations of Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
This sandwich is versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste.
Spicy Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Philly
Finish the chicken in garlic butter before assembling for a rich, savory flavor.
Low-Carb Chicken Philly
Skip the bread and serve your chicken and veggies in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
BBQ Chicken Philly
Mix buffalo or BBQ sauce into the chicken and top with cheddar cheese for a smoky, tangy twist.
Looking for a Mediterranean-inspired twist? Check out the Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bowl—it has the same balance of protein, veggies, and flavor, but with a refreshing Greek flair.
FAQs About Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
What type of cheese is best for a chicken Philly cheesesteak?
Provolone is the classic choice, but mozzarella, American, or even a creamy cheese sauce works great.
Can I make chicken Philly cheesesteak ahead of time?
Yes. Prep the chicken and veggies in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Definitely. Using rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor.
How do I make a low-carb chicken Philly cheesesteak?
Serve the filling in lettuce wraps, on a salad, or over cauliflower rice.
The chicken Philly cheesesteak proves that lighter doesn’t mean less satisfying. With tender chicken, caramelized veggies, melty cheese, and soft hoagie rolls, you get a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Next time you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, give this recipe a try. Once you do, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.
Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese shredded or sliced
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mushrooms sliced
- Jalapeños for spice
- Mayo, aioli, or mustard for spreads
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, cook onions and bell peppers until softened and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet and stir together with the vegetables.
- Add Cheese: Top with provolone or mozzarella. Cover briefly until the cheese melts.
- Assemble: Toast hoagie rolls lightly, then fill with the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture. Serve hot.
Notes
- Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking.
- Rotisserie chicken works well if you need a shortcut.
- Use bakery-style hoagie rolls for the best texture.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
