This Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Meal is a cozy dish packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese. It’s all cooked in one pan for easy clean-up!
I love tossing everything together and letting it sizzle away. It’s a fun way to make a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, who can resist that gooey cheese? Yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can easily swap it for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian dish!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. You can mix in any bell peppers you like! Yellow or orange ones work great too. If you have a bell pepper allergy, zucchini or mushrooms could work as substitutes.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy texture. Provolone is another wonderful choice if you want a sharper taste. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cheese.
Worcestershire or Soy Sauce: These add extra flavor, but they’re optional. If you’re avoiding soy, you could use coconut aminos or leave it out altogether for a simpler taste.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables to Get Them Just Right?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key to getting that delicious, soft texture. Start with a hot skillet to get the oil sizzling, then follow these simple tips:
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Too little can lead to sticking.
- Add sliced onions first; they take a bit longer to soften. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes before adding the peppers.
- Keep the heat at medium-high, so the veggies caramelize while still maintaining some crunch. Stir often but let them rest a little to get nice color!
This technique makes the veggies super tasty and balances perfectly with your chicken!
Cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal will take you about 30 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and seasoning, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything to cheesy perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat It Up:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough for the chicken to sizzle when it hits the pan!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with those flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the heated skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden-brown color. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, you can add a little more olive oil if needed. Then, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-6 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. This will add great flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. If you’re using Worcestershire or soy sauce, drizzle that over the mixture now and stir everything together so the flavors mingle.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to see that cheese melt and become all gooey and irresistible!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted, it’s time to dig in! Serve your cheesy chicken cheesesteak directly from the skillet. It’s delicious on its own or with your favorite rolls or bread on the side.
Enjoy your tasty meal! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Meat Options?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with thinly sliced steak or turkey for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, provolone works wonderfully for a classic cheesesteak flavor. For a healthier option, try a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or even cream cheese mixed with milk for a creamy texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to keep it moist!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers until they’re tender.
