This Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is packed with tender chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all in one pan. It’s a quick meal that brings big flavors without the fuss!
You’ll love how everything cooks together, making the cleanup easy peasy. I usually serve it with some crusty bread for a fun twist—who doesn’t love a good cheesy bite? 😋
What I enjoy most is how fast it comes together. Just chop, sauté, and melt—perfect for busy weeknights or a tasty lunch anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean but feel free to use thighs for more flavor or even sliced turkey. You can also opt for plant-based proteins if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add sweetness and crunch. If they’re not available, try using yellow or orange peppers or even zucchini for a different flavor.
Onion: Yellow onions are great for sautéing due to their natural sweetness. However, you could easily swap in sweet onions or even red onions if you prefer a milder taste.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for melty goodness, but provolone or cheddar works too! You can also replace it with vegan cheese for a plant-based option.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to stay juicy while ensuring it’s fully cooked can be tricky. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Ensure your chicken slices are even; thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly.
- Cook over medium-high heat—this helps to sear the chicken nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if there’s too much chicken, it will steam instead of brown.
Using a meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. That’s when it’s perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy!
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the Skillet
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This helps to get your skillet ready for cooking efficiently!
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they start to soften and get a lovely caramelized color, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the veggies and cook for another minute, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. The aroma will be fantastic!
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the vegetables. Stir everything together and let it heat through for about 1-2 minutes. This blends all those flavors beautifully!
6. Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve It Up
Once the cheese is nice and melted, remove the skillet from heat. Serve it immediately on its own or with hoagie rolls or crusty bread for a delicious sandwich touch!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken. Just skip the cooking step and add the leftover chicken when you combine it with the veggies. This will save time and ensure a quick meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with hoagie rolls, over rice, or with a light salad for a refreshing side. It also pairs well with potato chips for a fun crunch!