Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

Prepare chicken

If not pre-sliced, thinly slice 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts across the grain into 1/8–1/4-inch strips. Pat dry with paper towels so they brown instead of steaming.

Sweat onions and peppers

Heat 1 tbs olive oil and 1 tbs butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter foams. Add 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion and 1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 6–8 minutes.

Cook garlic

Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.

Sear chicken

Increase heat to medium-high, push vegetables to the side, add the thinly sliced chicken in an even layer. Let chicken brown undisturbed 1–2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until mostly cooked through, about 3–4 minutes total.

Season and deglaze

Stir vegetables into the chicken. Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Scrape browned bits from pan and simmer 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through.

Adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed. If using optional hot sauce or sliced peppers, stir them in now so flavors meld.

Prepare rolls

Preheat oven broiler or toaster oven to medium-high. Split 6 hoagie rolls and butter the cut sides with softened butter (about 2 tbs total). Place cut-side up on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp; watch closely to avoid burning.

Melt cheese on filling

Reduce skillet heat to low. Divide the chicken-cheese steak mixture into six portions in the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish. Top each portion with a provolone slice and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella (if using). Cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes until cheese softens and begins to melt. Alternatively, place under the broiler 1 minute until cheese bubbles.

Assemble sandwiches

Using a spatula, scoop each cheese-topped portion into the toasted hoagie rolls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional sliced peppers if desired. Serve hot.

If you like heat, stir 1 tsp hot sauce into the cooked chicken before melting the cheese, or top sandwiches with 2 tbs sliced hot or pickled peppers at assembly.