Name: Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced; 4 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 8 ounces shredded provolone cheese; 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Crusty rolls or hoagie buns, split; Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce

Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: Prepare to ditch the bread and dive headfirst into a flavor explosion! Imagine all the gooey, savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak, but served in a sizzling skillet, ready in minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience.

While the traditional cheesesteak boasts a rich history rooted in the heart of Philadelphia, our Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet offers a modern, convenient twist on this beloved classic. The original, born in the 1930s, was a simple yet satisfying creation – thinly sliced steak and onions served on a roll. Over time, cheese became an integral part of the equation, solidifying its place in culinary history.

But what makes this skillet version so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes. Tender, juicy chicken mingles with sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in a blanket of melted cheese. It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and the one-pan cleanup is a dream! People love this dish because it delivers all the satisfying flavors of a cheesesteak without the fuss. It's quick, comforting, and undeniably delicious – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
4 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces shredded provolone cheese
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving:

Crusty rolls or hoagie buns, split
Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, hot sauce

Preparing the Chicken:

First, let's get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the start.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron, but any oven-safe skillet will work) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's cooked through and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We'll add it back in later.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Now, let's move on to the veggies. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add another tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. If you're using mushrooms, add them now as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. You want them to be tender and flavorful.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the cooked chicken.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! In the same skillet (yes, we're still using the same one – less cleanup!), melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux, and it's the base for our cheese sauce. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Be careful not to burn it!
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

Assembling the Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The skillet will be very hot!

Serving Suggestions:

To serve, spoon the chicken cheesesteak mixture into split crusty rolls or hoagie buns.
Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is best served hot and fresh.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese would add some heat, while cheddar cheese would give it a classic cheesesteak flavor.
Vegetable additions: Add other vegetables like banana peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply combine everything in the skillet and bake as directed.
No oven? No problem!: If you don't want to bake the skillet, you can simply simmer the chicken, vegetables, and cheese sauce together in the skillet until heated through.
Low-carb option: Serve the chicken cheesesteak mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Add some bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Cook some bacon and crumble it over the top of the skillet before baking for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers all the satisfying flavors of a classic cheesesteak – juicy chicken, melted cheese, and those perfectly caramelized peppers and onions – but in a fraction of the time and with significantly less effort. Forget standing over a hot grill; this one-pan wonder comes together quickly on your stovetop, making it ideal for busy weeknights. But the real magic lies in its versatility. While I've presented my favorite combination of ingredients, the possibilities are truly endless. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone is a classic, of course, but consider trying pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a creamy Havarti for a smoother, more decadent flavor. You can also adjust the vegetables to your liking. Add some sliced mushrooms for an earthy note, or throw in some chopped jalapenos for extra heat. Serving suggestions are just as flexible. For a low-carb option, enjoy the skillet as is, perhaps with a side salad. Spoon it over cauliflower rice for a complete and healthy meal. Or, if you're craving the full cheesesteak experience, pile it high on toasted hoagie rolls. Don't forget the toppings! A drizzle of sriracha mayo, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate this dish to the next level. And speaking of variations, consider using ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. You could also adapt this recipe for the oven. Simply transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great option if you want to keep the skillet warm while you prepare other parts of your meal. I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It's so easy to customize to your own tastes and preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet. I promise you won't be disappointed. But don't just take my word for it! I'm incredibly eager to hear about your own culinary adventures with this recipe. Did you make any substitutions? Did you discover a new favorite topping? Did your family rave about it? Please, share your experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with! Happy cooking!