If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, melted cheese, and colorful veggies all in one pan, you’ve got to try this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe. It’s a simple, vibrant, and utterly comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breast, sweet bell peppers, and gooey provolone cheese for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this skillet recipe makes mealtime feel like a cozy celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe relies on straightforward, easily found ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role—from the smoky paprika giving depth to the chicken, to the vibrant bell peppers adding crunch and color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Essential for sautéing the veggies and chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
- 1 yellow onion (halved and thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Brings a mild fruity flavor and vibrant red color to brighten the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced): The protein star of the recipe, which soaks up the seasoning and cooks quickly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend to infuse the chicken with bold Italian flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky warmth that elevates the dish’s depth without overwhelming it.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning essentials that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the skillet, making every bite cheesy and luscious.
How to Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the sliced onions and both bell peppers, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Cook these until they soften and become tender, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. This step softens the veggies while coaxing out their natural sweetness, creating the perfect base for your skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty skillet. Lay the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, juicy, and nicely browned. This crust adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy cheese later on.
Step 3: Combine Veggies and Chicken
Return the sautéed peppers and onions, along with any juices on the plate, to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Toss everything together so the flavors marry beautifully. This step is all about bringing the dish together, melding the smoky chicken with the sweet, tender veggies for that classic cheesesteak flavor.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a couple of minutes or until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket. The melted provolone is the crowning glory that pulls this dish from tasty to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chopped green onions right before serving. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will also give you a nice little kick if you like heat. These simple garnishes liven up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or buttery roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. If you want to keep it lighter, steamed rice or warm crusty bread are perfect to scoop up every cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve scoops of this skillet filling inside toasted hoagie rolls or even atop toasted English muffins for handheld sandwiches. You can also use it as a filling for warm wraps or stuff it into pita pockets for a portable, delicious lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe, cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and the cheese becomes melty again. Alternatively, you can microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring between, to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic and melts perfectly, you can try mozzarella for a milder taste or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor twist. Just choose a cheese that melts smoothly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid adding bread or wraps that contain gluten. Serve it with gluten-free sides or over rice for a completely gluten-free meal.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Definitely! Thinly sliced turkey breast or even thin cuts of beef can work in this skillet. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
How spicy is this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this dish?
Freezing the chicken for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it firmer and easier to cut thinly. Thin slices cook faster and blend better with the veggies for that authentic cheesesteak texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight go-tos because it is just so satisfying and packed with flavor without any fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it’s the kind of comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy every cheesy, savory, colorful bite!
Print
Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breast cooked with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all topped with melted provolone cheese for a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are very tender, then remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to brown the underside.
- Sauté chicken thoroughly: Continue to sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Return the cooked vegetables and any juices accumulated on the plate to the skillet with the chicken. Mix everything together evenly.
- Melt cheese and serve: Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese has melted completely. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, slice the chicken and vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- You can substitute provolone with other melts well cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Serve with toasted hoagie rolls or over rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to taste.
