Introduction

A sandwich can be humble. But when it’s bursting with juicy chicken, molten cheese, sautéed vegetables, and packed into a perfectly toasted roll, it becomes something extraordinary. Enter the Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich—a bold reimagining of the classic Philly favorite that deserves its own spotlight.

What Are Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches?

Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a poultry-powered rendition of the traditional beef cheesesteak. Thinly sliced chicken is seasoned, grilled, and nestled among caramelized onions, peppers, and a generous amount of cheese—all piled into a hoagie or sub roll. It’s everything you love about the original, just lighter, and in many ways, more versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Twist on a Classic

This sandwich is comfort food with a conscience. The chicken offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing the flavor or decadence of the original. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly customizable, and feels indulgent without being over-the-top heavy. Whether you’re a cheesesteak purist or a culinary adventurer, this chicken twist delivers serious satisfaction.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp avocado oil, divided
8 oz boneless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ large onion, thinly sliced
4 slices provolone cheese
2 sausage rolls (or hoagie rolls)

Instructions:

Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder. Let it rest at room temperature while prepping the veggies.
Prep the Veggies:
Thinly slice the red and green bell peppers and onion. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil.
Sauté the Veggies:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the peppers, onions, remaining garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, about 6–8 minutes.
Slice the Chicken:
Thinly slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Combine Chicken & Veggies:
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir into the vegetables. Reduce heat to medium.
Melt the Cheese:
Divide the chicken and veggie mixture into two piles, shaped roughly to match your rolls. Top each pile with 2 slices of provolone and let the cheese melt.
Warm the Rolls:
Warm the sausage rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until soft and pliable.
Assemble:
Scoop each cheesy chicken pile into a warm roll. Serve immediately.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches with a Kick

Spice lovers, rejoice. Add jalapeños, sriracha, chipotle powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken while it cooks. Pepper jack cheese or spicy aioli can turn up the heat even more.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Options

Skip the bun and serve the cheesy chicken mixture over sautéed cabbage, lettuce wraps, or grilled portobello caps. It’s the same great flavor with fewer carbs.

Make It a Meal: Adding Bacon, Mushrooms, or Avocado

Bacon brings salt and crunch. Mushrooms add umami. Avocado offers creamy contrast. Stack them all on and you’ve got a gourmet-level sandwich in your hands.

Cheese Swap Ideas for Every Taste

Craving something unique? Try brie for richness, cheddar for sharpness, or blue cheese for bold tang. Each cheese creates a completely different experience.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides to Pair with Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Crispy fries, kettle chips, coleslaw, or a crisp side salad complement the richness. For a hearty meal, pair with baked mac and cheese or seasoned potato wedges.

Dips and Sauces That Make Every Bite Better

Serve with ranch, buffalo sauce, garlic parmesan dip, or even beer cheese for dunking. A little extra sauce never hurts.

How to Serve Them for Parties or Game Day

Make mini versions using slider rolls for parties. Set up a sandwich bar with toppings and sauces for a build-your-own experience that guests will love.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

Wrap sandwiches in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store fillings and bread separately if possible to preserve texture.

Best Methods for Reheating Without Drying Out

Reheat fillings in a covered skillet over medium heat or microwave with a damp paper towel. Toast the roll separately before reassembling for that fresh-made feel.

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Chicken Cheese Steaks

Avoid overcooking the chicken—it dries out fast. Don’t overload the roll or it will fall apart. And make sure your cheese is fully melted before serving.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Sandwiches at Home

Use a griddle for even cooking. Layer the cheese between the chicken and veggies for better melt. Toast the bread last so it’s warm when it meets the filling.

FAQs:

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or slice it thin and warm it in the skillet with the sautéed vegetables before adding the cheese.

What type of cheese works best if I don’t have provolone?
Mozzarella, white American, or even pepper jack are delicious alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
They’re best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and veggies in advance. Store them separately and reheat before assembling.

What are the best rolls to use?
Sausage rolls, hoagie rolls, or even sub sandwich rolls work great. Look for rolls that are soft inside but sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or swap in spicy cheese for a kick.

Are these sandwiches freezer-friendly?
Not ideally. Freezing can affect the texture of the veggies and bread. For best results, enjoy them fresh or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What side dishes pair well with these?
Crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad are great options. You can also serve with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.

Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?
Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and still work well if cooked properly.

Conclusion:

Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a bold, savory, and totally satisfying spin on the classic Philly favorite. With juicy seasoned chicken, melty provolone, and a colorful medley of sautéed peppers and onions tucked into a toasted roll, every bite is a flavor bomb. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or game day crowd, this recipe delivers serious comfort food vibes with minimal effort. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked—don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and sauces to make it your own.

Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches You’ll Crave Daily

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 25 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp avocado oil, divided
8 oz boneless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ large onion, thinly sliced
4 slices provolone cheese
2 sausage rolls (or hoagie rolls)

Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic powder. Let it rest at room temperature while prepping the veggies.
Prep the Veggies:
Thinly slice the red and green bell peppers and onion. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil.
Sauté the Veggies:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the peppers, onions, remaining garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, about 6–8 minutes.
Slice the Chicken:
Thinly slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Combine Chicken & Veggies:
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir into the vegetables. Reduce heat to medium.
Melt the Cheese:
Divide the chicken and veggie mixture into two piles, shaped roughly to match your rolls. Top each pile with 2 slices of provolone and let the cheese melt.
Warm the Rolls:
Warm the sausage rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until soft and pliable.
Assemble:
Scoop each cheesy chicken pile into a warm roll. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken Cuts: Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier, but breasts work well if sliced thin and not overcooked.
Cheese Melting Tip: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil after adding cheese to speed up melting.
Roll Alternatives: Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or even crusty baguettes can be used depending on your preference.
Add-Ins: Sautéed mushrooms, sliced jalapeños, or crispy bacon are great additions to elevate flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread and serve the chicken and veggies in lettuce wraps or over a bed of cauliflower rice.
Meal Prep Tip: Double the filling and use it throughout the week in wraps, quesadillas, or over rice bowls.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 38g