If you are craving a comforting, flavorful sandwich that brings the perfect balance of tender chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant veggies, this Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe is going to become your new go-to. With juicy, seasoned chicken and the rich creaminess of provolone nestled inside a soft hoagie roll, every bite bursts with classic, satisfying flavors. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering, these sandwiches are both incredibly easy to make and delightfully irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together effortlessly but each plays a crucial role in building the dish’s layers of texture and flavor. From the tender chicken to the fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, every element contributes something special.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced: The star protein that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings and cooks up juicy and tender.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing, it lends a subtle fruitiness and helps everything brown beautifully.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and crunch once cooked down.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant color and a mild, fresh crunch to balance the savory chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm aroma and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and a touch of earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild zing and subtle heat.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Contributes a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Provides a lovely fragrance that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional): Introduces an umami punch that enriches the savory profile.
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls: The perfect sturdy yet soft vehicle to hold all that delicious filling.
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese): Melts beautifully to unify the whole sandwich with creamy goodness.
- Optional toppings – sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, extra onions and bell peppers: For adding extra flavor and texture to suit your taste.
How to Make Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot but not smoking. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook it until it’s fully cooked through and starting to brown slightly. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The key here is to keep the slices thin so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. These fresh veggies soften as they cook, lending sweetness and crunch that perfectly balance the savory chicken. Cook everything together for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have some bite.
Step 3: Season It Well
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Let these spices toast gently for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out their fragrant oils, infusing the chicken and vegetables with a depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Finish with Soy Sauce
If you’re using soy sauce, now is the time to add it. It adds a wonderful umami richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Give everything a good stir to ensure every bite is deliciously seasoned.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls and Melt the Cheese
While the filling finishes cooking, toast your hoagie rolls lightly if you like a bit of crunch and warmth. Then place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll—this will melt delightfully once the chicken mixture is piled on and warmed further.
Step 6: Assemble and Melt
Layer the hot chicken and vegetable mixture onto the cheese-lined rolls. Then place the sandwiches under a broiler or in a toaster oven for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. This finishing touch melds all the components together in a gooey, savory hug.
Step 7: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Bring your Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe to the next level with optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, or extra sautéed onions and bell peppers. These add dynamic contrasts in flavor and texture, making each bite exciting.
How to Serve Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can brighten the sandwich with hints of color and spice. A few slices of pickled jalapeños not only add zest but also a pleasing zing that complements the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
Serve these hearty sandwiches alongside crisp, golden French fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The contrast of textures and flavors from sides balances the richness of the chicken and cheese perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Slice the sandwiches diagonally and secure them with toothpicks for easy handling at parties. You can even serve the filling family-style with rolls on the side so everyone can assemble their own, perfect for casual gatherings or game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken filling in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble fresh before reheating to maintain texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Portion it in freezer-safe bags or containers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before assembling your sandwiches.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and avoid drying out. Toast the rolls separately, then assemble with cheese and briefly broil until melted for an experience just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, cheeses like American, mozzarella, or even cheddar can work wonderfully depending on your taste preferences.
Is it better to use chicken breast or thighs for this recipe?
Both work well, but chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful option due to their higher fat content, while breasts are leaner and will still taste great if cooked properly.
Can I add other vegetables to the sandwich filling?
Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onions and peppers to add variety and extra nutrition.
How spicy does this Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe get?
It’s generally mild unless you add spicy toppings like jalapeños. You can easily control the heat level by adjusting spices or omitting the optional toppings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the hoagie rolls for gluten-free bread or rolls, and double-check any sauces or seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe is such a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crisp veggies inside a soft roll makes it an all-time favorite that’s easy to customize and share. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich recipe features tender, thinly sliced chicken cooked with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, then layered with melted provolone cheese inside toasted hoagie rolls. Optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms and pickled jalapeños add extra flavor and texture, making it a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
Breads and Cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese)
Optional Toppings
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Pickled jalapeños
- Extra onions and bell peppers
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- Season: Add minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors and allow the spices to bloom.
- Add soy sauce: If desired, stir in the soy sauce to add a subtle depth and umami to the chicken mixture.
- Toast rolls: Toast the hoagie rolls lightly to add crispness and warmth.
- Add cheese: Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- Assemble sandwich: Pile the flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese in each sandwich.
- Melt cheese: Broil or toast the assembled sandwiches for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly over the filling.
- Add toppings: Optionally, add sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, or extra onions and bell peppers to customize the sandwich’s flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot to enjoy melty, savory Chicken Cheese Steaks.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful sandwich.
- Substitute provolone with American cheese for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce.
- To speed up prep, slice chicken and vegetables ahead of time.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the hoagie rolls with gluten-free bread or rolls.
