philly cheese steak with provolone cheese recipe with chicken instead of beef

Introduction

Craving the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak but looking for a lighter, healthier alternative? This recipe delivers all the flavor of the classic sandwich, substituting tender chicken for beef and featuring the creamy, slightly sharp taste of provolone cheese. Get ready to experience a delicious twist on a beloved comfort food!

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone: The Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 4 provolone cheese slices
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Optional: Hot sauce, mayonnaise, or your favorite cheesesteak toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the same skillet. Cook until fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Combine and Melt the Cheese: Add the cooked onions and peppers back to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the Provolone: Place provolone cheese slices over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt completely, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Cut the hoagie rolls partially open. Using a spatula, divide the chicken and cheese mixture evenly among the rolls.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and add your favorite toppings, such as hot sauce or mayonnaise, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Philly

• Slice the Chicken Thinly: This is key to getting that authentic cheesesteak texture. If you’re having trouble slicing it thinly, partially freezing the chicken for 30 minutes can help.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until just cooked through for the best results.
• Use Quality Provolone: Good quality provolone cheese will melt beautifully and add a rich flavor.
• Toast the Rolls: For an extra touch, toast the hoagie rolls lightly before filling them. This will add a nice crispy texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: While the classic Philly cheesesteak is simple, feel free to add your own twist. Consider adding mushrooms, banana peppers, or a drizzle of cheese sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Alternatives

Not a fan of provolone? Here are some great alternatives:

• American Cheese: A classic choice for cheesesteaks, known for its melty texture.
• Mozzarella: Mild and creamy, mozzarella offers a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Whiz: For a truly authentic Philly experience, try using cheese whiz.

Vegetarian Option

Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with:

• Portobello Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture.
• Soy Curls: Rehydrated and seasoned soy curls are a great vegan chicken alternative.

Conclusion

This Chicken Philly Cheesesteak with Provolone recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and melted provolone cheese creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. So, ditch the beef and give this chicken version a try – you won’t be disappointed!