Maybe you are like me, getting a hearty, cooking a flavorful dinner in a hurry sometimes feels impossible. Enter the chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe: all the bold, melty goodness of the classic sandwich, but lighter, and ready in 20 minutes from start to finish.

Why Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?

Few American sandwiches are as popular as the Philly cheesesteak. Born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, the original recipe combines thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and gooey melted cheese, all loaded into a soft hoagie roll. While purists swear by ribeye, the chicken Philly recipe has become a star, especially when you’re seeking something just a bit lighter or more affordable.

The best about this dish? With the perfect techniques (I’ll share mine below!), you can cook up the perfect chicken Philly cheese steak recipe in less time than it takes for delivery. Before Years ago, during a busy night, I tried by prepping all my fillings while the pan heated up, and was amazed to be biting into a juicy, cheesy sandwich before my oven had even finished preheating! Now, it’s one of my favorite dinner tricks.

What Makes a Great Chicken Philly Cheesesteak?

Let’s explain what makes both the classic and the chicken version irresistible:

• Tender, flavorful meat: Steak in the original, but here juicy, well-seasoned chicken shines.
• Caramelized onions and peppers: Savory, naturally sweet, and aromatic.
• Melted cheese: Classic options are provolone, American, or (for the die-hards) cheese whiz, more on that later!
• Soft, sturdy bread: A hoagie or sub roll that hugs all those fillings.

Regional authenticity: The classic Philly sandwich is fiercely regional, but the chicken Philly cheese recipe has become the first one in sub shops well beyond Pennsylvania. Some add sautéed mushrooms, others kick up the heat with jalapeños.

Equipment You’ll Need

For this recipe for chicken Philly, you don’t need fancy gadgets, just a couple of reliable tools:

• Cast iron skillet or griddle: Retains heat beautifully, perfect for charring veggies and getting golden chicken. I love my Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• Large cutting board for prepping everything quickly. Try the OXO Good Grips Cutting Board.
• Sharp chef’s knife: For slicing chicken thinly and quickly.
• Spatula or tongs.

Optional time-savers: Use a mandoline for quick veggie slices, or invest in a multi-use veggie chopper. Anything that gets you from fridge to plate faster is a win in my book.

Ingredients List

All ingredients in this chicken Philly sandwich have a big role to play. Here’s how to nail your choices:

Chicken
Breasts or Chicken thighs?
Chicken breast is classic; if you like juicier, richer meat, opt for boneless, skinless thighs.
Cheese
Provolone: Smooth, creamy, and mild.
American: Melts beautifully, slightly tangy.
Cheese Whiz: The “street style” option, melted and drizzled on top.
Bread
Sub, hoagie, or steak rolls: Slightly crusty on the outside, pillowy soft inside.
Vegetables
Onion: Yellow or white, sliced thin.
Bell pepper: Green is traditional, but red and yellow add extra sweetness.
Seasonings
Salt & pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano

Optional: Mushrooms, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, tomato, or hot sauce for your special twist!

Step-by-Step 20-Minute Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

Ready? Here’s how I cook dinner in just 20 minutes, hands washed and appetites ready for a delicious dinner!

1. Prep Work (5 Minutes)

• Slice chicken thin: The thinner, the faster it cooks! Place chicken breasts in the freezer for 10–15 Min for easier slicing.
• Slice onions and peppers: Matchstick or thin half-moons (Mandoline optional).
• Warm your skillet over medium-high heat.

(Pro tip: Prep all ingredients before you start, the key to speed is readiness!)

2. Cook the Vegetables (5 Minutes)

• Drizzle 1 Tbsp of oil in the hot skillet.
• Add onions and peppers with a pinch of salt.
• Sauté, stirring often, until just tender and golden brown.

3. Cook the Chicken (5 Minutes)

• Move veggies to one side of the skillet (or transfer to a plate).
• Add another drizzle of oil; add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Cook, stirring often, until no longer pink and lightly golden (4–5 mins).

4. Assembly and Cheese Melting (5 Minutes)

• Combine chicken and veggies in the skillet; toss everything together.
• Arrange into four “mounds” in the pan. Top each with cheese slices.
• Cover pan loosely with foil or a lid for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Split and lightly toast your rolls. Scoop the chicken-veggie-cheese mixture inside each roll and serve hot!

Chicken Safety Reminder:  For best practices, see these Food Safety Tips for Chicken. (USDA)

Pro Tips for Time-Saving

1. Pre-slice everything the night before, and store in airtight containers!
2. Cut chicken extra thin for speedy, even cooking.
3. Multi-task: Toast your bread as the chicken cooks; set cheese out ahead to soften for melting.

4 Delicious Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Variations

The classic recipe is awesome, but the chicken Philly steak is very flexible, and these are four variations to try:

1. Spicy Chicken Philly: Sauté diced jalapeños with your peppers, or add a splash of hot sauce to the chicken.
2. Mushroom & Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and swap provolone for Swiss cheese.
3. Low-Carb / Keto: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over a bowl of roasted veggies, skipping the hoagie roll.
4. Philly Chicken “Pizza-Style”: Top flatbread with the finished chicken, veggies, and cheese, then broil for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

A chicken Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a meal in itself, but why not round things out?

• Best side dishes:
  1. Baked sweet potato fries
  2. Crispy kettle chips
  3. Coleslaw or a simple green salad
• Beverage pairings:
  Light lagers, unsweetened iced tea, or a zippy lemonade.
• Make-ahead/storage tips:
  Prepare filling in advance and reheat just before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches, but the filling freezes well!

FAQ: Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Edition

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken; reheat with onions/peppers, add cheese, and proceed.

What’s the best cheese for authentic flavor? Provolone is the local favorite; American melts ultra-smooth, and cheese whiz is for “true Philly” street style.

How to reheat leftovers? Stovetop is best, reheat filling in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, then assemble.

Can I freeze these sandwiches? Freeze the filling (chicken, veggies, cheese) separately. Thaw and reheat before assembling fresh sandwiches.

Dinner in a flash can truly be juicy, hearty, and satisfying! This 20-minute chicken Philly cheesesteak delivers all the ooey-gooey, savory comfort you crave, without a long kitchen session. I hope it becomes a star in your weekly rotation, too.

If you tried this recipe, drop a comment below, share your adaptations, or tag us on social media. We love to see your masterpieces!
And if you’re a sandwich superfan, check out our favorite Sandwich Serving Plates Set to eat like a pro.

And don’t forget to check out these chicken recipes if you are a chicken lover.

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