Craving a cheesesteak but short on time? This easy chicken cheesesteak recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but with a healthier twist and significantly less time in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that tastes like takeout, without the takeout hassle!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help keep the rolls warm while you cook the filling.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the veggies:
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the thawed spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through and well combined.
Assemble the cheesesteaks:
- Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- Fill each roll generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Top with shredded provolone cheese.
- Return the assembled cheesesteaks to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Cheesesteak:
- Thinly sliced chicken: Using thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures quick and even cooking. You can use a meat mallet to pound the chicken thinner if needed.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry. Cook until it's no longer pink and then remove it from the heat.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Experiment with cheese: Provolone is traditional, but feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
- Make it a meal: Serve with a side of your favorite chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even roasted red peppers.
- Steak cheesesteak: For a classic cheesesteak, substitute thinly sliced steak for the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy chicken cheesesteak recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are also quick dinner ideas. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes and definitely ranks among the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy!