These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a treat! Imagine juicy chicken topped with melted cheese and fresh veggies, all piled high in a soft bun. Yum!
As a bonus, they are super easy to make! I love whipping these up when I want something quick and tasty that feels like a hug in sandwich form. Perfect for game day! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast is perfect here as it’s easy to cook and absorbs flavors well. For a twist, try using turkey breast or even grilled chicken leftovers for a quicker meal.
Onion: A medium onion adds a nice sweetness when caramelized. You could swap it for a sweet onion, like Vidalia, or omit it if you’re not a fan.
Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper gives a slightly bitter taste that balances the sweetness of the onion. Feel free to use red or yellow peppers for a sweeter option or even a mix for more color and taste!
Cheese: Provolone cheese melts beautifully. If you prefer a different flavor, mozzarella or cheddar also work well. For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cheese slices.
Hoagie Rolls: Good quality hoagie rolls are the base of this sandwich. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls if needed. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the fillings!
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy While Cooking?
Cooking chicken right can be tricky, but here’s how to keep it juicy. Start by slicing the chicken breast evenly — this helps it cook at the same rate. Season it well, as the spices not only add flavor but can also help lock in moisture.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken. This creates a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the temperature up and helps it brown instead of steam.
- Cook until just browned, avoiding overcooking, which can dry it out. A meat thermometer can help; aim for 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich Filling:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or your choice of cheese)
For the Rolls:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying your Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches in about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced onions and green bell pepper. Sauté them together until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Season it with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Combine and Heat Through:
Now, return the sautéed onions and bell peppers back to the skillet with the chicken. Mix everything together and let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully!
4. Melt the Cheese:
Next, lay the slices of cheese over the chicken and vegetable mixture, making sure to cover it all. Reduce the heat to low and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes—yum!
5. Toast the Hoagie Rolls:
While the cheese is melting, take your hoagie rolls and split them lengthwise. Make sure not to cut all the way through! If you like, you can toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until they are lightly browned for extra crunch.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the cheese is all melted, grab a spatula and scoop the luscious chicken and vegetable mixture into each toasted hoagie roll. It’s okay if it’s overflowing a bit—it’s all part of the goodness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches hot, with hot sauce on the side if you like a kick. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen chicken completely before slicing. The best way is to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or you can use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Use Instead of Provolone Cheese?
You can substitute provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick! Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to create that gooey texture in your sandwich.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Cheese Steak Filling?
Store any leftover chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to avoid dryness, and then serve in fresh rolls or over rice.
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. Just sauté them until they’re tender and flavorful, and then follow the same steps for assembling the sandwich!
