homemade philly cheese steak sandwich guide with chicken instead of beef

Introduction

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but looking for a lighter, healthier twist? This guide provides a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for a homemade Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, substituting chicken for the traditional beef. Get ready for a flavor-packed meal that’s quick to prepare and satisfyingly good!

Making the Ultimate Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the process and ensure a seamless cooking experience.

• Chicken Breast: Approximately 1.5 lbs, thinly sliced. Look for chicken cutlets to save time or slice your own breasts very thinly.
• Rolls: Choose good quality hoagie rolls – Amoroso’s rolls are considered authentic but any sturdy roll will work. Plan for the number of sandwiches you intend to make (usually 4).
• Cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice, but white American cheese or even a cheese sauce can be used. Aim for about 4-6 slices per sandwich.
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced.
• Bell Pepper: 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, but adds great flavor). Red or yellow peppers work too!
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking.
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
• Optional Toppings: Hot peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato.

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you didn’t buy pre-sliced chicken cutlets, lay the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. The thinner, the better!
2. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper. Consistent slicing ensures even cooking.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding). Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.
3. Combine and Chop: Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet with the chicken. Using a spatula or two, chop the chicken and vegetables into smaller pieces while mixing them together. This creates a more cohesive and authentic Philly Cheesesteak texture.

Assembling the Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

1. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Create wells or sections within the chicken and vegetable mixture. Place slices of provolone (or your chosen cheese) into these wells, allowing the cheese to melt over the chicken and vegetables. You can also add a splash of water to the pan and cover it briefly to help the cheese melt faster.
2. Load the Rolls: Open the hoagie rolls. Using a spatula, carefully scoop the chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese mixture into the rolls.
3. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Chicken Philly Cheesesteak sandwich while it’s hot and the cheese is gooey!

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Sauce: For an extra decadent experience, use a homemade or store-bought cheese sauce instead of sliced cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Marinated Chicken: Marinate the sliced chicken in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
• Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix for an earthier flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe offers a lighter and equally delicious alternative to the traditional beef version. By following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering sandwich that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Enjoy the satisfying flavors of melted cheese, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables all nestled within a soft, delicious roll. Happy cooking!