Chicken cheese steak sandwiches are a tasty twist on the classic! They combine juicy chicken with melted cheese and fresh veggies, all tucked into a warm, soft bun.
These sandwiches are super easy to make, and they always hit the spot. I love piling extra toppings on mine — who can say no to more cheese? 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this sandwich. If you’re looking for a substitute, feel free to use turkey breast or even cooked shredded chicken if you’re short on time.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for cooking, but you can also use canola, avocado, or even butter for a richer flavor. Each will add a slightly different taste to your sandwich.
Onions and Bell Peppers: Yellow onions bring sweetness, while green bell peppers add crunch. You can mix it up with other peppers like red or yellow for a sweeter flavor, or use mushrooms for a different texture.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone is my favorite for its meltiness, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack can be great substitutions! Just match it to your taste preference.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for a Sandwich?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to these sandwiches. First, make sure the chicken is thinly sliced, as this helps it cook faster and get a nice golden color. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add olive oil.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer; avoid overcrowding to get that nice browning.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring too much, allowing it to brown evenly before flipping.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
For Assembling:
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. Just enough time to make some tasty sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breast with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté these veggies for about 5-6 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. They should smell amazing!
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and peppers. Stir everything together and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help all those flavors blend beautifully.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, slice the hoagie rolls down the center, but not all the way through. Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Fill each hoagie roll with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, lay 2 slices of provolone cheese over the top of each sandwich. Trust me, the more cheese, the better!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the sandwiches for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see that gooey goodness!
6. Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the sandwiches cool for a moment. Serve them hot, and don’t forget to add hot sauce if you like a bit of spice. Enjoy your Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or even thinly sliced beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as beef may require slightly longer to cook through. If using tofu for a vegetarian option, ensure it’s well-pressed and cut into thin slices before sautéing.
How to Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you want to spice it up, add diced jalapeños or banana peppers while sautéing the onions and peppers. Alternatively, you can mix in a dash of cayenne pepper with the seasoning or serve with a spicier hot sauce on the side!
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your sandwiches, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet, assemble, and melt the cheese in the oven as per the recipe!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
To keep leftovers fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the texture and melt the cheese again!
