If you’re craving a comforting, all-in-one dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together quickly, then I have a treat for you—my Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this skillet combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone cheese all in one pan. It’s packed with savory goodness and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Stick around, because I’m going to share my best tips and little tricks so your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet turns out delicious every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!
- Flavor-Packed: The mix of Italian seasoning and smoked paprika takes this dish to another level.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, making it a go-to meal in our house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe are super straightforward, but together they create magic. I always recommend thinly slicing the chicken and veggies to speed up cooking and ensure everything gets nice, even caramelization.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil—it adds richness and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Yellow onion: I love how this adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Red and green bell peppers: They bring color, crunch, and a slightly sweet flavor that balances the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced so they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Italian seasoning: This gives a lovely herby note that complements the peppers and chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that really elevates the flavor.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Season generously to make every bite pop.
- Provolone cheese: Shredded on top so it melts perfectly, adding creamy, melty goodness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to make it your own—I’ve tried quite a few variations myself!
- Substitute chicken: I’ve swapped in thinly sliced steak for an authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe that my husband absolutely loves.
- Add mushrooms: Throw sliced mushrooms in with the peppers for a deeper earthy flavor and extra veggies.
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken for a subtle heat my kids enjoy.
- Dairy-free: You can swap provolone cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether and still have a tasty skillet meal.
How to Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies Until Tender and Sweet
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, plus a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir them around and let them cook until they’re soft, slightly caramelized, and tender—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. I discovered this trick of letting them sit still occasionally to deepen the caramelization. Once done, remove them and set aside on a plate, keeping those delicious juices in the pan for later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil back to the skillet and turn the heat up just a bit. Spread your thinly sliced chicken breasts evenly in the pan and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Here’s what I learned: don’t stir right away! Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so it gets a nice golden sear—that’s flavor gold. Then, continue stirring and cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total.
Step 3: Bring It All Together and Melt That Cheese
Once your chicken is cooked, pour those sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Give everything a good stir to combine those savory layers. Immediately top the skillet with the shredded provolone cheese, then cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese melt luscious and gooey. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes. At this point, your kitchen smells like heaven, and you’re just moments away from dinner!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Thin Slices Are Key: I learned that cutting the chicken and veggies thin ensures quick, even cooking and better melding of flavors.
- Seasoning Timing: Season the chicken right before it hits the pan so the spices stick well and the flavor stays bright.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the chicken get a golden crust before stirring—that’s where the best flavor hides.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Covering the skillet traps steam and melts the cheese evenly without drying out the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions right on top to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of pickled jalapeños on the side works wonders if you like a bit of heat. These garnishes really brighten up the creamy cheesesteak flavors.
Side Dishes
We often pair this skillet meal with a simple green salad or crisp roasted potatoes for a heartier dinner. My family also loves crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up every last cheesy, savory bite. And honestly, this dish is so filling you could even serve it on its own with a side of crunchy raw veggies for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe inside toasted hoagie rolls as a messy but delicious hand-held sandwich—basically a quick chicken cheesesteak! It’s a fun way to dress it up and always impresses guests. Or you can plate it over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe keep really well in the fridge—just transfer any extras to an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more overnight, so sometimes I think the next day’s meal tastes even better.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers a couple of times with good success. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed and reheated, while the texture changes a little (especially in the peppers), the flavor remains delicious and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture, and covering it so the cheese melts fresh again. You can also microwave it covered on medium power, but watch closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here—they’re a bit more flavorful and forgiving because they stay juicy. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and adjust cooking time slightly if needed until fully cooked.
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What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Provolone is the classic choice and melts beautifully with a mild buttery flavor that complements the spices and veggies. You could also experiment with mozzarella for extra meltiness or even cheddar for a sharper bite, but provolone remains my top pick.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can chop the veggies and slice the chicken up to a day ahead; store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the skillet steps as usual—this saves prep time on busy days.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and cheese don’t contain any hidden gluten additives. It’s perfect for those avoiding gluten.
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How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild by default, with smoky warmth from the paprika but no overwhelming heat. You can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to kick up the spice level.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe enough—it’s become one of those reliable, “go-to” dishes in my kitchen that never fails to satisfy. I love how it comes together quickly but still tastes like you put in a ton of effort, and honestly, it’s just downright delicious comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a solo dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!
Print
Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts sautéed with sweet bell peppers and onions, all topped with melted provolone cheese for a satisfying and cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Chicken
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add thinly sliced peppers and onion along with salt and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are very tender, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken in a single layer and allow it to cook without stirring for a few minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
- Sauté the Chicken Thoroughly: Continue cooking and stirring the chicken until it is fully cooked through and browned evenly.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the sautéed vegetables and any juices from the plate back into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine everything evenly, then sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat, and serve the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet hot.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for the best texture that mimics traditional cheesesteak meat.
- If provolone is unavailable, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be good substitutes for melting cheeses.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the melted cheese and juicy chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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