This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a quick one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and melted cheese. It’s a delicious twist on the classic cheesesteak!
I love how simple it is; just toss everything in a skillet and let it cook. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss. Who doesn’t love melted cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer, you could use rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a leaner option.
Pepper & Onion: Red and green bell peppers add vibrant color and sweetness. Feel free to mix in yellow, orange, or even poblano peppers for a twist. Yellow onions are perfect; however, you can use sweet onions or shallots if you like a milder flavor.
Cheese: I recommend mozzarella for its melty texture, but provolone is great too, providing that classic cheesesteak taste. If you want something bolder, sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice kick!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken for This Dish?
Getting the chicken just right is crucial for this skillet meal. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil—this helps to sear the chicken nicely.
- Cut the chicken into thin slices; this not only helps it cook faster but also ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to let it brown properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s cooked through without drying out.
Using these tips, you’ll have flavorful, juicy chicken that complements the rest of the dish perfectly!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone for classic cheesesteak flavor)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or sandwich buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy skillet meal will take about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 10 minutes cooking. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner without a lot of hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough for the chicken to sizzle when it hits the pan.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden color.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced yellow onion and bell peppers. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the veggies to be tender and slightly caramelized, adding a sweet flavor to the dish.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Lower the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or some aluminum foil to help melt the cheese. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until everything is nice and gooey.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted to your liking, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy this straight from the skillet or spoon the delicious chicken cheesesteak mix into toasted hoagie rolls or sandwich buns if you prefer a sandwich version.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful chicken cheesesteak skillet that’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it and add it to the skillet with the vegetables, cooking just until heated through. This should only take 3-5 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can substitute with sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using ingredients that cook faster or slower!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to help steam and rehydrate the chicken and veggies.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you want to kick up the heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You could also serve it with hot sauce on the side for that extra kick!
