Craving a Philly Cheese Steak but trying to stay on track with your healthy eating goals? This recipe delivers all the delicious cheesesteak flavor you love, without the guilt! We've swapped out some of the traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. This recipe is packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 whole wheat tortillas or rolls
- 4 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- Optional: hot sauce, to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Start by slicing the bell peppers and onions thinly. The thinner the slices, the quicker they'll cook and the more evenly they'll brown. Mince the garlic, too. Prep work is key for a quick and easy meal!
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the 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. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
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Assemble Your Steaks: Warm your tortillas or rolls according to package directions. Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top each with a slice of reduced-fat provolone cheese.
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Melt the Cheese: Fold the tortillas in half, or close the rolls. You can either let the cheese melt naturally from the residual heat, or briefly place the assembled sandwiches in a pan over low heat or in a microwave for a few seconds to melt the cheese completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your healthy Philly cheese steaks immediately. Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick, if desired!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Thinly Sliced Chicken: Using thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming dry. If you're starting with thicker breasts, you can pound them thinly with a meat mallet.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry. Cook the chicken just until it's no longer pink inside.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and other spices to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Philly: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Veggie Philly: Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: 30-40g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 25-35g
This healthy Philly cheese steak recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and good for you. Enjoy!