This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a tasty and quick meal that combines juicy chicken, bell peppers, and gooey cheese. It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up on a busy day. It’s perfect for nights when you need comfort food fast, and the melty cheese has kids coming back for more. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this dish. If you prefer, you can substitute with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quicker option. Grilled chicken also works nicely for added flavor!
Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to mix it up with yellow or orange sweet peppers, or even use poblano or jalapeño for some heat. Don’t forget to toss in more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini if you have them!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions are great options. If you’re sensitive to onions, leeks or shallots can provide a milder flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for its meltiness, but provolone adds a nice flavor twist. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works well too. Vegan cheese can also be used as a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is crucial for this skillet. Here are some tips to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Cut your chicken into uniform thin slices. This allows for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to ensure browning.
- Cook on medium-high heat while stirring occasionally, so each piece gets some nice color without drying out.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in your skillet every time!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to perfect cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will create a lovely base for your chicken and veggies.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they’re tender and starting to caramelize. When they’re almost ready, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to bring out that wonderful flavor.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Give everything a good stir to mix well.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or provolone) cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and veggies. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy the cheesy chicken cheesesteak skillet right from the pan or spoon it onto hoagie rolls or bread for a tasty sandwich-style meal.
Enjoy this quick, tasty twist on a classic dish that’s sure to delight your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great. Just skip the cooking step for the chicken, and heat it up in the skillet with the vegetables to blend the flavors. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is heated through.
What Can I Substitute for the Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers or don’t have them on hand, you can substitute with other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté until tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! You can add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken for a spicy kick. You can also consider using spicy cheese varieties like pepper jack for an extra zing!
