A Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a flavorful twist on the classic beef-based Philly cheesesteak, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Whether you're craving a juicy sandwich loaded with tender chicken, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies or you want to impress your family with a delicious meal, making a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak at home is surprisingly easy. This blog will walk you through every step, providing a detailed recipe, helpful tips, and creative variations to customize this beloved sandwich.
What is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?
The traditional Philly cheesesteak, originating from Philadelphia, is made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. The Chicken Philly Cheesesteak swaps the beef for tender, juicy chicken breast, but maintains all the signature elements of the original sandwich. It's a great alternative for those who prefer chicken or are looking for a slightly healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.
The sandwich typically includes:
Thinly sliced or shredded chicken breast or thighs
Melted provolone or American cheese
Sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms
A soft hoagie roll or sub bun
Ingredients for a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
To make the perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, you'll need fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of what you'll need to prepare:
Chicken and Marinade:
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
A pinch of paprika (optional)
Vegetables:
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for added color)
1 cup of mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional)
Cheese:
6-8 slices of provolone cheese (or any melting cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or American cheese)
Bread:
4 hoagie rolls or sub buns (soft and fresh)
Condiments (optional but highly recommended):
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Hot sauce
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to ensure it's full of flavor. Slice the chicken breasts thinly, or you can shred them after cooking if you prefer. Marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and makes it tender.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Once they are cooked, set the vegetables aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and browned. You can also grill the chicken if you prefer a charred flavor.
If you didn’t slice the chicken earlier, you can shred it using two forks once it’s cooked. Return the chicken to the skillet after shredding.
4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are sautéed, combine them in the skillet. Stir them together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Melt the Cheese
Now for the gooey, cheesy part! Lower the heat, and place slices of provolone cheese on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy and delicious topping for the sandwich.
6. Toast the Hoagie Rolls
Toasting the hoagie rolls or sub buns is an essential step to ensure they hold up well against the filling. You can lightly butter the rolls and place them in a skillet or toaster oven for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly crisped but still soft inside.
7. Assemble the Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Once the cheese has melted and the rolls are toasted, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, mustard, or any other condiment of your choice on the inside of the rolls. Scoop generous portions of the chicken, vegetable, and cheese mixture onto the hoagie rolls. Serve them immediately while the sandwich is still hot and the cheese is gooey.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Use thinly sliced chicken: The thinner the chicken slices, the faster they cook and the better they absorb the flavors from the marinade and vegetables. You can ask your butcher to slice the chicken thinly, or use a sharp knife to do it yourself.
Add seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken generously. Adding garlic,onion powder, and paprika enhances the flavor of the chicken and gives it that rich, savory taste.
Experiment with cheese: Provolone is the traditional cheese used in a Philly cheesesteak, but feel free to experiment with other types like American cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Each type of cheese will offer a different texture and flavor.
Customize the veggies: Onions, peppers, and mushrooms are the classic vegetables for a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak, but you can switch it up. Try adding spinach, jalapeños, or even roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
Use a fresh hoagie roll: The bread can make or break a good sandwich. Choose soft, fresh hoagie rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to absorb the flavors.
Variations of Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
While the classic Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try to suit your taste:
1. Spicy Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
Add some heat to your sandwich by incorporating sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
2. BBQ Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
For a barbecue twist, toss the cooked chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce before adding the cheese. This creates a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sautéed vegetables.
3. Buffalo Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
If you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, add buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture. Use blue cheese or ranch dressing as a spread on the hoagie roll to complement the buffalo flavor.
4. Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Philly Cheesesteak:
For a more gourmet version, use Swiss cheese and add extra mushrooms to the sautéed vegetable mix. The nuttiness of Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully with mushrooms and chicken.
Conclusion
Making a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak at home is a fun and easy way to enjoy a delicious, hearty sandwich. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a game-day snack. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out one of the creative variations, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak with your choice of condiments, sides, and a drink!
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