This Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a quick and tasty one-pan meal! With tender chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s a dinner winner.
You can whip this up in no time, and who doesn’t love a cheesy chicken dish? I like to serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all that goodness. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a slightly richer taste or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers give great color and flavor. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers for added sweetness or use mushrooms if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth of flavor. If you want a milder taste, use sweet onions like Vidalia, or for a slight kick, opt for a red onion.
Cheese: Provolone cheese is traditional, but mozzarella works well too if that’s what you have on hand. For a bolder flavor, consider using pepper jack or cheddar cheese.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken right is key to this dish. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin slices to ensure even cooking. Here’s my favorite approach:
- Use medium-high heat for a nice browning effect. Don’t overcrowd the pan as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s no longer pink and has a golden color.
- Let it sit for a minute before slicing or adding it back to the pan. This helps keep it juicy!
How Can I Make the Vegetables Extra Flavorful?
Getting the veggies just right adds a lot to your skillet! Follow these tips:
- Cook the onions and peppers together after the chicken. This helps them absorb the chicken flavors.
- Caramelize the vegetables by allowing them to sit in the pan without stirring too often. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Feel free to add garlic or hot sauce while cooking to enhance the taste!
Enjoy making your Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet! It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet will take around 25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 15 minutes cooking everything in one skillet. It’s a quick, weeknight dinner solution!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and starts to brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet (this is where all the flavor is!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and cook while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables to be softened and slightly caramelized, which will enhance their sweetness and flavor.
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir everything well to combine all the delicious flavors.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to trap the heat and help the cheese melt beautifully. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet hot! You can pair it with crusty rolls for a hearty meal or serve it over rice or pasta if you like.
Enjoy this quick, comforting chicken version of the classic cheesesteak, loaded with colorful peppers and gooey melted cheese!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just shred or slice it and add it to the skillet in step 4 to heat through and mix with the veggies.
What Can I Substitute for the Cheese?
If provolone isn’t available, mozzarella is a perfect alternative! For a bolder flavor, consider using cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese. Just ensure it melts well for that gooey cheesesteak effect.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken while it cooks. You could also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple side salad or some roasted vegetables also make a great accompaniment!
