These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a tasty treat, filled with juicy chicken and melted cheese, all tucked in a soft bun. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
You’ll love how easy they are to whip up! I like to serve mine with some crispy fries on the side. Trust me, it’s a combination that makes everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps it lean and tender. You can swap it for turkey breast or use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. If you want a vegetarian option, cooked mushrooms or tofu can also work well!
Bell Peppers: Green bell peppers bring a nice crunch and flavor. If you can’t find red ones, feel free to use all green or even sub in yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste. You can add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture.
Provolone Cheese: Provolone cheese melts beautifully but use mozzarella if that’s what you have. For a zesty twist, consider pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Vegan cheese options are also great for a dairy-free version.
Hoagie Rolls: Traditional hoagie rolls work perfectly, but if you want a healthier option, whole wheat sub rolls or even lettuce wraps can be satisfying. You could also use crusty baguettes for a crunchy texture!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Turns Out Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s the secret to keeping it juicy and tasty! Use thin slices to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skillet either; this helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken.
- Season well with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to boost flavor.
- Cook until it’s just done (no longer pink inside) and then toss it with the veggies for an even mix of flavors!
Delicious Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- Optional: hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking will take around 20 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften. Then, toss in the green and red bell peppers (if using) and continue to cook for about 5 minutes until they’re tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine all the flavors.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the other side. Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Mixing It All Together:
Once the chicken is cooked, gently mix it together with the vegetables in the skillet, allowing them to heat through together for about another minute. This will help meld all the flavors nicely.
4. Prepping the Sandwiches:
While that’s heating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
5. Baking to Perfection:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the sandwiches for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be amazing!
6. Serving Up:
Once baked, carefully remove the sandwiches from the oven. If you like a little heat, dribble some hot sauce on top just before serving. Enjoy your warm Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches with a side of your favorite chips or salad!
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken can save you time. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it in with the sautéed veggies in step 3. Reduce the cooking time to just a few minutes, enough to heat it through and combine the flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
If you don’t have provolone cheese, mozzarella is a great alternative! You can also try cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference, as some cheeses melt differently.
How Should I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps prevent the bread from getting too soggy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers to ensure they cook properly. Adjust the cooking time based on how quickly you want them to soften.