This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and melty cheese. It’s like a cheesesteak, but simpler!
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey or firm tofu could work well for a leaner option.
Bell Peppers: I used both red and green for color and flavor. You can swap them for yellow or orange peppers, or even use mushrooms for a different taste.
Onion: Onions add sweetness and depth. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use green onions or shallots instead.
Cheese: I recommend provolone for its meltiness. Mozzarella works too! For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Spices: The garlic and onion powder add flavor. Fresh garlic can be a fantastic substitute, though adjust the amount to taste!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken in this skillet is slicing it thinly. This allows for quick cooking and ensures that it stays juicy. Here’s what to do:
- Use a sharp knife to slice chicken breasts thinly against the grain. This will help keep it tender.
- Heat the skillet properly before adding chicken; this helps it sear nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If your chicken is lumped together, it will steam instead of brown.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, about 5-7 minutes. It can continue to cook later with the veggies, so keep that in mind!
Using these tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying cheesy chicken cheesesteak skillet!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sandwich rolls or bread, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to delicious finish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty without too much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Skillet:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken and add flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry if it sticks a little; that’s flavorful too!
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until they become tender and slightly caramelized. This step will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
4. Combining Everything Together:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together well so that the flavors mix beautifully.
5. Adding the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
6. Serving Time:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the delicious mixture hot, either directly from the skillet or in sandwich rolls/bread for an amazing cheesesteak experience!
Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet for a comfort meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works great. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, warming through and adding the cheese until melted.
What Can I Substitute for the Bell Peppers?
If you don’t have bell peppers on hand, you can use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed for different veggies!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Sure! For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the chicken as it cooks for a bit of heat!
