If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and a melty, cheesy goodness that hugs tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers, you’re going to love this Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that brings the classic Philly cheesesteak vibe home, but with a fresh twist using chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy provolone cheese. The combination is simply irresistible, packed with a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky notes that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable taste. Each ingredient plays an essential role; tender chicken forms the hearty base, bell peppers add a burst of color and sweetness, and provolone cheese brings that smooth, melty magic we all crave in a cheesesteak sandwich.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: 1 ½ pounds, thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy texture.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced to add a fresh, slightly bitter crunch.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced for a sweeter contrast and vibrant color.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced to bring sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon, elevates the overall flavor with a mild garlic warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, perfect for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- Provolone Cheese: 6–8 slices, chosen for its mild, creamy melt that envelopes the chicken and veggies.
- Hoagie Rolls: 4, split and optionally toasted for that perfect sandwich structure with a slight crunch.
How to Make Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your green and red bell peppers along with the sliced yellow onion. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and develop a slight caramelized edge. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the sandwich. Once cooked, remove the peppers and onions and set them aside to keep them warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Place the thinly sliced chicken thighs or breasts in the pan. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden. This golden crisp on the chicken pieces adds a wonderful texture and deep flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Return the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything to combine, letting the flavors meld together for a minute or two. Then, gently lay slices of provolone cheese over the chicken and veggie mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly over the filling. This melting step is what transforms the sandwich into a dreamy, cheesy delight.
Step 4: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
While the cheese melts, split your hoagie rolls and toast them lightly if you like a bit of crunch and warmth. Toasting the bread also helps it hold up better against the juicy filling, preventing sogginess and adding an appealing texture contrast.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Fill each hoagie roll generously with the hot chicken, pepper, onion, and melted provolone mixture. Serve immediately for the best experience, maybe with your favorite toppings like hot sauce, mayo, or even pickles for an extra zing. These Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe truly shine when enjoyed fresh and hot.
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate these sandwiches even more. Try fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness, or sliced jalapeños if you like a spicy kick. A drizzle of spicy mayo or even a dash of vinegar-based hot sauce complements the richness of the provolone cheese wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair beautifully with crispy fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a simple mixed green salad. The key is to balance the hearty and cheesy sandwich with something crisp or acidic to cleanse the palate and keep the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, slice the sandwiches into smaller portions for easy sharing. You can also wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil for a grab-and-go lunch. Layer the sandwiches with extra pepper and onions on top before serving for a colorful and inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe, simply wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of their deliciousness.
Freezing
While not ideal for the bread’s texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggie filling separately by placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can defrost and quickly reheat the filling whenever a cheesesteak craving hits, then toast fresh hoagie rolls for assembling.
Reheating
To reheat, place the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Toast your rolls fresh during reheating so the bread remains crispy and fluffy. This method keeps your Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe tasting nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well here. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but breasts will give you a leaner option without compromising the overall taste of the sandwich.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Provolone is the classic choice for its smooth melt and mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. You can experiment with mozzarella or even a mild cheddar if you want a slightly different twist, but provolone remains the top pick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on chicken, you could replace the meat with hearty mushrooms, tofu, or seitan and use the same peppers, onions, and provolone cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I keep the peppers and onions from getting soggy?
Be sure to cook the peppers and onions just until softened but not mushy, and avoid overcrowding your pan to allow proper caramelization. Removing them from the heat when done also prevents overcooking.
Is it better to toast the hoagie rolls?
Toasting is optional but highly recommended. It adds a satisfying crunch and helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy when filled with juicy chicken and peppers. A toasted roll also tastes wonderful paired with the warm filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, inviting, and incredibly tasty sandwich to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, don’t hesitate to try this Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest with simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Prepare it, share it, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table.
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Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Bell Peppers and Melted Provolone 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 Cheesesteaks recipe features tender, thinly sliced chicken thighs or breasts sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, topped with melty provolone cheese, and served on toasted hoagie rolls. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Cooking
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
Assembly
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls, split and toasted if desired
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the yellow onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: If needed, add a little more olive oil to the skillet. Add the thinly sliced chicken, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a golden exterior.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables with Cheese: Return the sautéed bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Mix well and lay the slices of provolone cheese evenly over the top. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and allow the cheese to melt completely, about 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare Hoagie Rolls: While the cheese melts, toast the hoagie rolls if desired to add a nice crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the hot chicken, vegetable, and melted cheese mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls. Add optional toppings such as hot sauce or mayonnaise as preferred, and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- Use provolone cheese for a mild, melty finish but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or American cheese.
- Toasting the hoagie rolls enhances texture but can be skipped for softer sandwiches.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best flavor retention.
