These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a tasty twist on the classic! Tender chicken, gooey cheese, and colorful peppers come together in a warm, toasty bread. Yum!
Seriously, what’s not to love? I could devour one of these for every meal. Pair it with some fries, and you have a perfect lunch that makes everyone happy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe because they’re lean and cook quickly. For a twist, try using shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing due to its flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or canola oil can also work well.
Onion: Standard yellow onions give sweetness, but red onions add a nice color and slightly stronger flavor. If you’re in a rush, onion powder is a quick substitute!
Bell Pepper: Feel free to mix colors! Yellow or orange peppers are sweeter if you prefer something milder. If none are available, zoodles (zucchini noodles) can be a fresh substitute.
Cheese: Provolone is creamy and melts beautifully. You can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for substitutions.
Hoagie Rolls: Traditional hoagie rolls are great, but if you’re out of them, any sturdy bread like ciabatta or French baguette can do the job. For gluten-free options, try gluten-free rolls!
How Do You Get the Vegetables to Taste Delicious Without Overcooking Them?
Sautéing onions and bell peppers is essential for building flavor. A good technique is to cook them until they’re just tender and slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sugars without turning them mushy.
- Start with medium heat to allow the veggies to soften over 5-7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to avoid burning, but let them sit in the skillet for a bit to get those lovely caramelized bits.
- Remove them while they’re still vibrant—this keeps some texture, which is key in your sandwich!
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green, red, or a mix), sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you can enjoy your tasty sandwiches in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized. When done, scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside. You want them to stay tasty, but we will use that skillet again!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced chicken breasts. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken while stirring occasionally for around 6-8 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. This is where your kitchen starts to smell really amazing!
3. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Let’s bring back the sautéed onions and bell peppers! Add them back to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want all those flavors to blend nicely!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your hoagie rolls and slice them lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you just want to create a pocket for your filling. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese. The more cheese, the better, right?
6. Bake and Serve:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and the rolls are slightly toasted. Once they’re ready, take them out of the oven and feel free to add any extra toppings like mayonnaise or hot sauce if you like a little kick. Serve them up right away and enjoy your homemade Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to the sandwiches. Just make sure to slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take an extra minute or two to cook through compared to breasts.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to customize your sandwich with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach work wonderfully. Just remember to sauté them until they’re softened before adding them to the chicken mixture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken cheese steak mixtures in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, and then assemble your sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat it in a skillet and assemble the sandwiches for a fast and delicious meal!
