This Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese in one tasty pan. It’s a quick and fun way to enjoy classic flavors without the fuss!
If you love cheesy goodness, you’re in for a treat! I often serve this dish over rice or with crusty rolls for a filling meal. Bonus points for only using one skillet—easy cleanup! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish since they cook quickly. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or even use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Bell Peppers: The recipe calls for green and red bell peppers for sweetness and color. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter touch or use frozen bell pepper strips if fresh ones aren’t available.
Onions: Yellow or white onions add a nice flavor. Red onions can also be used if you prefer a milder taste, and they add great color to the dish.
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for its meltiness. Provolone is another excellent choice for a cheesesteak flavor. For a sharper taste, consider using cheddar or pepper jack.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Quickly?
Cooking chicken quickly and evenly is important in this skillet dish. Here are some tips to help you:
- Make sure to slice the chicken into thin strips. This helps it cook faster and ensures even browning.
- Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. If there are too many pieces, they will steam instead of sear.
- Don’t forget to season the chicken before cooking! This adds flavor right from the start.
How Do I Get Perfectly Melty Cheese on Top?
To melt the cheese beautifully, here’s what to do:
- Once you’ve added the cheese, cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Reduce the heat to low to prevent burning while allowing it to melt. It should only take 2-3 minutes.
- If you want an extra melty texture, consider adding a splash of broth or water before covering. This creates steam and helps the cheese melt even faster.
Enjoy your meal with these handy tips and substitutions!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- Optional: hoagie rolls or cooked rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesesteak skillet takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy dinner option. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help in cooking the chicken nicely without sticking to the pan.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken strips to the skillet. Season them with half the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sprinkle the remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper over them. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
5. Add the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the chicken and veggie mixture. Let it melt beautifully!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes, resulting in a wonderfully gooey top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the skillet from heat. Serve this cheesy delight hot, either as is, over a bed of cooked rice, or stuffed into hoagie rolls for a delicious cheesesteak sandwich.
Enjoy this simple, flavorful skillet meal loaded with melty cheese and vibrant peppers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella or provolone, feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a bit of spice! Just keep in mind that the melting qualities may vary slightly, so look for cheeses labeled as good for melting.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to the skillet for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re adding ingredients that require longer to cook.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, or microwave it for a quick meal.
