This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a fun and tasty one-pan meal! With tender chicken, bell peppers, and onions, it’s loaded with cheese for a creamy finish.
It’s super quick to make, perfect for those busy nights. I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easiest to work with but you can use rotisserie chicken for a faster option. Just shred it and add it at the end to heat through.
Bell Peppers: I love using both green and red bell peppers for the sweetness and color. If you don’t have them, yellow or orange peppers work well too, or even throw in a jalapeño for a bit of heat!
Cheese: While I use mozzarella for its meltiness, provolone is the classic choice for cheesesteaks. Fontina or cheddar can be fun substitutions depending on your cheese preferences.
Olive Oil: Any cooking oil can work, but avocado oil has a nice flavor and a higher smoke point. Butter is a delicious alternative, adding a rich taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken can be tricky if you want to avoid dryness. Here’s a simple way to ensure it stays juicy:
- Cut chicken into even strips for uniform cooking.
- Use medium-high heat to get nice browning on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
- If using a lid to cover the skillet, remove it towards the end to allow moisture to escape, which creates a nice sear.
Always check the internal temperature for perfect doneness: 165°F is ideal.
What’s the Trick to Softening Vegetables?
To get onions and peppers perfectly soft and flavorful, follow this guide:
- Don’t rush! Cook over medium heat, allowing the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize.
- Stir them frequently but give them enough time to rest on the heat – about 7-8 minutes, until they’re lightly browned.
This method enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your dish!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone for authentic cheesesteak flavor)
Optional:
- Hoagie rolls or bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying your Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken strips to your skillet. Season them with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Cook while stirring occasionally until they are browned and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook these colorful veggies, stirring often, until they become soft and start to caramelize—about 7-8 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté everything for one more minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma!
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with those beautiful veggies. Stir everything together so the flavors mix nicely.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is nice and gooey, remove the skillet from heat. You can serve it right from the skillet or spoon the cheesy chicken and pepper mix into hoagie rolls or alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit! Your Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is ready to delight your taste buds!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Just add it to the skillet at the end of the cooking process to heat through before adding the cheese.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just combine them in a skillet, add cheese, and heat until warmed through!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet until heated throughout. If needed, add a splash of water to keep it moist!
