healthy philly cheese steak recipe low carb with chicken instead of beef

Introduction

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but watching your carbs? You’ve come to the right place! This recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on the classic, swapping out the traditional beef for lean chicken and embracing low-carb ingredients. Get ready to enjoy all the flavor without the guilt!

Healthy Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Low Carb Edition

Why Chicken?

Chicken breast provides a leaner source of protein compared to beef, significantly reducing the fat content of your cheesesteak. This makes it a more heart-healthy option and helps you stay on track with your low-carb goals.

Key Ingredients for a Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced.
• Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack. Look for low-fat or reduced-fat options if desired.
• Onions: A classic Philly Cheesesteak ingredient. We recommend yellow or sweet onions.
• Peppers: Green bell peppers are traditional, but feel free to add other colors for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Mushrooms (Optional): Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and extra nutrients.
• Low-Carb Bread or Wraps: Choose your favorite low-carb bread, wraps, or even portobello mushroom caps as a base.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes for a kick.

Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and peppers (and mushrooms, if using) and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the sliced chicken and cook until fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine and Melt the Cheese: Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet with the chicken. Reduce the heat to low. Arrange the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the skillet and top with slices of cheese. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble the Cheesesteak: If using low-carb bread or wraps, warm them slightly. Carefully scoop the chicken and cheese mixture onto your chosen bread or wrap. If using portobello mushroom caps, simply place the chicken and cheese mixture inside the mushroom caps.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your healthy, low-carb Chicken Philly Cheesesteak while it’s hot!

Tips for Keeping it Low-Carb

• Choose the Right Bread: The bread is the biggest carb culprit. Opt for low-carb bread, wraps, or skip the bread altogether and use portobello mushroom caps.
• Load Up on Veggies: Fill your cheesesteak with plenty of non-starchy vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms to add bulk and nutrients without adding carbs.
• Watch the Cheese: While cheese is generally low-carb, some varieties are higher in carbs than others. Stick to provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar, and consider low-fat or reduced-fat options.
• Control the Sauces: Avoid sugary sauces like ketchup or barbecue sauce. Opt for low-carb condiments like hot sauce, mustard, or a small amount of mayonnaise.

Conclusion

This healthy, low-carb Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food without derailing your healthy eating plan. By swapping beef for chicken and making smart ingredient choices, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and guilt-free. So go ahead, indulge in this lighter, healthier version of a Philly favorite!