If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan, you’re going to love this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe. I absolutely adore how the tender chicken mixes with sautéed peppers and onions, all melted under a blanket of provolone cheese. It’s like all the best parts of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but without the fuss of bread or complicated steps. Trust me, once you try it, this skillet will become your go-to weeknight meal that everyone asks for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes with just one skillet to clean.
- Flavor-Packed: The combo of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and melty provolone creates layers of savory goodness.
- Versatile & Satisfying: Perfect for a cozy family meal, and easy to customize for your taste or what’s in the fridge.
- No Fuss Ingredients: Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings its own magic to this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe, blending into a harmony of tender textures and bold flavors. When shopping, look for fresh, colorful peppers and good quality chicken breasts, as they make a noticeable difference.
- Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Using a sweet onion gives mellow sweetness that pairs perfectly with the peppers.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a bright sweetness and vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a little punchy freshness to balance the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly slicing them helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic savory notes.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth, elevating every bite.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Provolone cheese: Melts into creamy, gooey perfection and ties everything together.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe quite a bit and love encouraging you to tweak it to your liking. Whether you want to swap out veggies, spice it up, or make it lighter, there’s so much room for creativity here.
- Cheese swap: I’ve tried it with mozzarella or cheddar, and each adds a delicious twist – mozzarella melts extra gooey while cheddar gives a sharper punch.
- Veggie variations: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or swap bell peppers for poblano peppers for a smoky heat that my family adores.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives this skillet a nice kick when you’re craving something spicy.
- Low-carb version: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can pair it with cauliflower rice or use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fresh crunch.
How to Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Peppers and Onions Until Tender
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your thinly sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper along with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. I like to season the veggies well here because they soak up the flavors and bring depth to the dish. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and tender – usually about 7-8 minutes. Don’t rush this part; those soft, caramelized veggies make all the difference. Once done, scoop them out onto a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Beautifully
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Spread the thinly sliced chicken breasts evenly in a single layer and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the top. A little tip I discovered over the years: let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes before stirring—this gives you a gorgeous golden crust. Then continue sautéing, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness.
Step 3: Bring It All Together with Cheese
Return the sautéed peppers and onions along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet with the chicken. Give everything a good stir to combine, then sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes—the cheese will melt into a gooey, irresistible topping. When that cheese is perfectly melted, it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Thin Slicing the Chicken: I’ve learned that slicing the chicken super thin ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender, so don’t skip this step.
- Patience with Veggies: Letting the peppers and onions soften fully develops their sweetness and richness—take your time here.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in a single layer helps everything brown evenly instead of steaming.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Covering the skillet with a lid lets the cheese melt perfectly without drying out the chicken or veggies.
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that brightens the whole skillet. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle a touch of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to round out this meal is with a simple side salad or some roasted potatoes. For carb lovers, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is fantastic to soak up those cheesy juices. If you want something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this skillet family-style right at the table, letting everyone build their own mini lettuce wraps or pile it onto toasted baguette slices. It also makes a great filling for stuffed bell peppers if you want to change things up for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe, I like to let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese from clumping.
Freezing
Freezing leftovers works too, though I recommend freezing before adding the cheese for best texture. Freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container, then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Add fresh provolone cheese on top and melt just before serving.
Reheating
To bring the skillet back to life, I reheat it in a covered pan over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through, then re-melt the cheese by covering briefly. Microwaving works too, but I find the stovetop gives better texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and keep an eye on cooking time since thighs can be a bit more forgiving — they might even add a lovely depth of flavor.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have provolone cheese?
If provolone isn’t handy, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are excellent melt-friendly alternatives. Cheddar works too if you want a sharper flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the savory flavors of the dish.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe makes for a convenient, protein-packed meal prep option. Just portion into containers after cooking and cool before refrigerating. Reheat with a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a quick melt in the microwave or on the stove.
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Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach are great additions that pair well with the flavors. Just add them when sautéing the peppers and onions so they cook evenly and meld nicely into the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe has become such a comforting favorite in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that’s both cozy and packed with flavor, yet manages to feel light enough for any night of the week. I love sharing it with friends because it’s easy, delicious, and doesn’t tie you to complicated prep or cleanup. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be grateful for this skillet’s simple magic on those busy evenings when you want something tasty without the stress.
Print
Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with sweet bell peppers and onions, seasoned with Italian herbs and smoked paprika, and topped with melted provolone cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it brings all the classic Philly cheesesteak flavors in a lighter, healthier version using chicken.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Protein
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are very tender and slightly caramelized, then remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate.
- Cook the chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken in a single layer and allow it to cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden brown sear. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Combine and melt cheese: Return the sautéed onions and peppers, along with any juices accumulated on the plate, back into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together well to combine flavors. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat until the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet as a standalone dish or with your favorite side.
Notes
- For more spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or American cheese for a different melting texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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