Craving a cheesy, flavorful meal but short on time? This Chicken Cheese Steak recipe is your answer! Forget lengthy prep and complicated techniques – this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with homemade ease. It's a fantastic healthy meal option, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory peppers all nestled in a warm roll. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate (Optional, but Recommended)
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but significantly enhances the chicken's tenderness and taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated (or unmarinated) chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Season with oregano, basil, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Assemble the Cheese Steaks
Place the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture onto the bottom halves of the hoagie rolls. Top generously with shredded provolone cheese.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Either place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, or cover the skillet and cook over low heat for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Top with your favorite condiments (like mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard) and serve immediately. These delicious chicken cheese steaks are best enjoyed fresh!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Cheese Steaks:
- Thinly slice the chicken: This ensures even cooking and faster cooking times. You can use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to the desired thickness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents steaming and ensures a nice sear.
- Experiment with cheese: Provolone is classic, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to your cheese steak.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Cheese Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
- BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak: Use BBQ sauce instead of just seasoning.
- Philly Cheesesteak Style: Use thinly sliced steak instead of chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: Approximately 30g Fat: Approximately 20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
This delicious and easy Chicken Cheese Steak recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors of this satisfying and healthy meal!