Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet

Sizzling, gooey, and packed with savory flavors, this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet transforms the beloved Philadelphia sandwich into a one-pan wonder. The tender strips of chicken meld perfectly with caramelized onions and peppers, all blanketed in melty provolone cheese. This weeknight miracle delivers all the satisfaction of a classic cheesesteak without the bread, making it a perfect low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and maximum taste in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet will quickly become a family favorite for numerous reasons. First, it’s an incredible time-saver – everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions creates a perfect texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting.

The melted provolone cheese forms an irresistible blanket over the entire dish, creating those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls that make dinner exciting. Plus, this skillet meal is naturally low-carb while still delivering all the satisfaction of a traditional cheesesteak sandwich.

For busy weeknights, this skillet recipe can be prepped ahead of time by slicing all vegetables and chicken in advance. The versatility is another huge bonus – it’s perfect on its own for a low-carb meal, but can easily be served over rice, stuffed in a hoagie roll, or even topped on a baked potato for a more substantial dinner option.

Ingredients

For this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1½ cups when sliced)
• 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red for color contrast), sliced into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 6 slices provolone cheese (about 6 oz)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. For the cheese, traditional provolone offers that authentic cheesesteak flavor, but American cheese or a mix of provolone and mozzarella works wonderfully too. The Worcestershire sauce adds that umami depth that makes this chicken skillet meal truly special.

Pro Tips

Freeze the Chicken First: For the thinnest, most tender slices, place your chicken breasts in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This semi-frozen state makes it much easier to cut paper-thin slices that will cook quickly and remain tender in your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook your chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes the meat to steam rather than sear, robbing you of that beautiful caramelization that delivers maximum flavor. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate while you sauté the vegetables, then return it to the skillet for the final steps.

Get the Right Melt: When adding cheese to your skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes. This creates a mini-oven environment that melts the cheese perfectly without overcooking the other ingredients. For an extra-special finish, use a kitchen torch to get those browned cheese spots that add incredible depth of flavor to your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into very thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if needed, add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without disturbing them to get a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the bell pepper strips and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize around the edges. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Reduce the heat to medium and add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the vegetables. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the seasonings and warm it back up, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the skillet. Arrange the provolone slices over the top, covering as much of the mixture as possible. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and stretchy, either on its own for a low-carb meal or with your preferred side dishes.

Variations

Spicy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: Turn up the heat by adding 1-2 sliced jalapeños along with the bell peppers and substituting pepper jack cheese for the provolone. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix will further elevate the spice level for those who enjoy a good kick with their Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet.

Mediterranean Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: Create a Mediterranean twist by adding ½ cup sliced black olives and 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) during the last minute of cooking the vegetables. Replace the provolone with feta cheese crumbles and finish with fresh oregano instead of parsley. The tangy olives and sweet tomatoes pair beautifully with the savory chicken in this variation.

Mushroom Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: For mushroom lovers, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button work well) to the skillet after the onions have cooked for a few minutes. The mushrooms will add an earthy depth to your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet that complements the bell peppers and onions perfectly.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help revive the sauce. Cover and warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. For microwave reheating, use 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For serving, try this skillet meal over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a complete dinner. For a more traditional approach, scoop the hot mixture directly into toasted hoagie rolls for authentic cheesesteak sandwiches. One particularly delicious option is to serve the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet over crispy french fries or tater tots for a “loaded fries” experience that’s absolutely irresistible for casual gatherings or game day celebrations.

For a lighter meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a fresh contrast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet and often provide more flavor and moisture. Just be sure to trim excess fat and slice them thinly as you would the breasts.

What’s the best cheese to use for an authentic taste?
Traditional Philadelphia cheesesteaks use either provolone, American cheese, or even Cheez Whiz. For this skillet version, provolone offers the best melt and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare everything except adding the cheese, then refrigerate in portioned containers. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet and add fresh cheese on top to melt.

How can I make this keto-friendly?
This recipe is already low-carb as written. To make it keto-friendly, just ensure your Worcestershire sauce doesn’t contain added sugar or substitute with coconut aminos mixed with a little vinegar.

Can I freeze leftovers of this skillet meal?
While you can freeze this dish, the peppers and onions may become softer when thawed. For best results, freeze without cheese, then add fresh cheese when reheating.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a sizzling symphony of tender chicken, sweet peppers, and gooey cheese that satisfies deeply without weighing you down. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or casual weekend gathering. The beauty of this one-pan wonder is not just its incredible flavor but its versatility – enjoy it as is, stuff it in a roll, or serve it over your favorite starch. However you choose to enjoy it, this skillet meal delivers that classic cheesesteak experience in every delicious bite.

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