This Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is a quick one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese come together for a tasty dinner.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss. I love serving it with crusty bread or on a bed of rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and take on flavor well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast can also work well!
Peppers: Green and red bell peppers are a classic combo for this dish. Feel free to swap in yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste or even use poblano or jalapeño peppers if you like some heat!
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for its melting quality, but provolone is another great choice for that classic cheesesteak flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts well!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is my favorite for cooking, you can use canola or avocado oil instead for higher smoke points.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Perfection?
Sautéing vegetables requires a bit of technique to get them just right. Here are some tips to keep your onions and peppers perfectly cooked:
- Start by heating your pan before adding oil. This helps prevent sticking.
- Add the vegetables in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sauté.
- Stir occasionally but let them sit for a short time to get golden brown bits—this adds flavor!
During the sauté, cook the onions first since they take longer to soften. Then add peppers for that vibrant color and crunch!
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or sandwich buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30-35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that when you add the chicken, it sizzles right away!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-6 minutes, until they are softened and beginning to caramelize. This brings out their lovely sweet flavors!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter!
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend all the delicious flavors.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and become gooey!
7. Serve It Up:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the cheesy chicken and peppers hot, right from the skillet, or spoon them into hoagie rolls or sandwich buns for a yummy easy chicken cheesesteak sandwich!
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying skillet dinner! It’s a great dish that everyone will love—simple and so tasty!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method by submerging the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour. Make sure to pat it dry before slicing and cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Bell Peppers?
No worries! You can substitute bell peppers with other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed until the veggies are tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Allergy-Friendly?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply ensure the chicken broth (if using) is labeled gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, swap the cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it and enjoy the dish with extra veggies!
