Get ready for a tasty treat with Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches! These sandwiches are packed with juicy chicken strips, melted cheese, and colorful veggies all tucked into a soft roll.
Making them is super easy—just sauté the chicken and veggies, add cheese until it gooey, and pile it all in a bun. I love piling on extra toppings for fun! Who can resist? 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich as they stay moist and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, turkey breast works great as a substitute.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps cook the veggies. If you’re out, use canola oil or even avocado oil – both have a high smoke point and are healthy!
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add sweetness and crunch. You can swap them with other colorful bell peppers or even add mushrooms for a different flavor. Red onions also offer a sweeter taste if you prefer.
Cheese: Provolone cheese melts beautifully and has a mild taste. For a kicked-up flavor, try pepper jack or even mozzarella. Sharp cheddar is another good option if you want a stronger taste.
Hot Sauce: It’s great for those who love a spicy touch! If you want something milder, you can go with ketchup or a creamy dressing like ranch.
How Can I Cook Chicken So It’s Flavorful and Juicy?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky! The secret is to ensure it’s seasoned well and cooked at the right temperature:
- Start by slicing the chicken thin; it cooks faster and stays tender.
- Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
- Cook it until no longer pink, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Bonus tip: Let the chicken rest for a moment after cooking. This helps keep it juicy when you combine it with the veggies!
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or cheese of choice)
- Optional: hot sauce or condiment of your choice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sandwich recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need around 5-7 minutes for prepping the ingredients, followed by another 10-15 minutes for cooking and baking. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced chicken. Season it with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Combine the Chicken and Vegetables:
Return the sautéed onions and bell peppers back to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed, and heat it through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Prepare the Rolls:
Preheat your oven (or broiler) to 400°F (200°C). While it’s preheating, slice open the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the chicken and vegetable mixture you prepared earlier.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
Top each sandwich with a good handful of shredded provolone cheese. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sandwiches are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. If you like, drizzle on some hot sauce or your favorite condiment. Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of provolone, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure the cheese is shredded for even melting.
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes, feel free to swap the chicken for turkey, sliced beef, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version! Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is properly cooked.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, reheat on the stovetop or microwave and assemble in fresh rolls.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and veggie mixture a day in advance. Just refrigerate it and then assemble the sandwiches right before baking to get that melty cheese and warm bread!
