Have you ever sunk your teeth into a juicy, flavorful chicken cheesesteak and wondered exactly what makes it so darn delicious? You’re not alone! As a massive fan of this sandwich, I’ve spent years perfecting my own version at home, and I’m excited to share everything I know about this popular alternative to the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Chicken cheesesteak has been gaining popularity as a healthier twist on the traditional beef version. It delivers all the satisfaction of the original but with a lighter profile that many people prefer Let’s dive into what exactly makes up this incredible sandwich!
What Goes Into a Chicken Cheesesteak?
A chicken cheesesteak is essentially made up of five key components
- Thinly sliced chicken breast (the star of the show!)
- Cheese (typically American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz)
- Long hoagie roll (the perfect vessel)
- Sautéed onions (for sweetness and flavor)
- Seasonings (simple but essential)
Let’s break down each of these elements in more detail.
The Perfect Chicken
The foundation of any great chicken cheesesteak is, of course, the chicken itself. Here’s what you need to know:
- Best cut to use: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the ideal choice. It’s lean, cooks quickly, and slices easily.
- Slicing technique: For authentic texture, the chicken should be sliced as thinly as possible. Pro tip: partially freeze your chicken for about 10 minutes before slicing to make this easier!
- Cooking method: The chicken is typically cooked on a hot griddle or skillet with a little oil until it’s browned and cooked through (to an internal temperature of 165°F).
Some recipes call for seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce to build flavor. The chicken should be chopped or separated slightly during cooking but not over-chopped – you want to maintain some texture.
Cheese Options
No cheesesteak is complete without the cheese! There are several popular options:
- American cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a creamy, mild flavor
- Provolone: Provides a slightly nutty, more complex flavor
- Cheez Whiz: The classic Philly option that creates a saucy texture
- Other options: Some recipes use cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles
The cheese is typically added on top of the hot chicken mixture right before serving, allowing it to melt from the residual heat.
The Roll Makes a Difference
The roll is an often overlooked but crucial component of any cheesesteak:
- Traditional choice: Amoroso rolls from Philadelphia are considered the gold standard
- Key characteristics: The ideal roll should be crusty on the outside but soft on the inside
- Preparation: Many recipes call for lightly toasting or buttering the roll before adding fillings
A proper roll needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart, yet soft enough to bite through easily.
Caramelized Onions: A Must-Have Addition
Sautéed onions are a traditional component that adds sweetness and depth:
- Type of onion: White, yellow, or red onions all work well
- Cooking method: Typically sliced thin and cooked until soft and slightly caramelized
- Flavor contribution: Adds sweetness and a hint of umami to balance the sandwich
Popular Additions and Variations
While the basic chicken cheesesteak is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to customize it:
Vegetable Additions
- Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture
- Hot peppers: Jalapeños or cherry peppers add heat for spice lovers
Sauce Options
- Ketchup: A simple, classic topping
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess
- Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy
- BBQ sauce: Creates a BBQ chicken cheesesteak variation
Regional and Creative Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Incorporates buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
- California Chicken Cheesesteak: Often includes avocado for a West Coast twist
- Hawaiian Chicken Cheesesteak: Features pineapple and teriyaki sauce
How to Make a Chicken Cheesesteak at Home
Making your own chicken cheesesteak is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple process:
- Prepare the chicken: Slice boneless, skinless chicken breast as thinly as possible
- Season: Toss the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and possibly Worcestershire sauce
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and no pink remains
- Sauté the vegetables: Cook onions (and peppers if using) until soft and slightly caramelized
- Combine: Mix the chicken and vegetables together in the pan
- Add cheese: Place cheese slices on top of the mixture and allow to melt
- Assemble: Place the mixture in a split hoagie roll
- Enjoy: Add your favorite toppings and dig in!
Health Considerations
One of the main reasons people choose chicken cheesesteak over the traditional beef version is for health benefits:
- Lower fat content: Chicken breast is leaner than the ribeye used in beef cheesesteaks
- Calorie comparison: A typical chicken cheesesteak contains around 500-700 calories, which is generally less than a beef version
- Protein content: Chicken cheesesteaks still provide plenty of protein (30-40g per sandwich)
While not exactly a health food, chicken cheesesteak does provide a slightly lighter option for those craving this classic sandwich style.
Origins and History
The chicken cheesesteak has an interesting history as a variation of the iconic Philadelphia sandwich:
- Original Philly cheesesteak: Created in the 1930s by Pat Olivieri, initially using beef
- Chicken variation: Emerged in the 1980s as a lighter alternative
- Growing popularity: Has gained widespread acceptance across the United States
Today, you can find chicken cheesesteaks on menus throughout the country, though Philadelphia remains the spiritual home of all cheesesteak varieties.
Perfect Pairings
A chicken cheesesteak makes a satisfying meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:
- French fries: The classic side for any sandwich
- Potato chips: For added crunch and saltiness
- Coleslaw: Provides a cool, crisp contrast
- Pickle spears: Adds a tangy element to cut through the richness
Common Questions About Chicken Cheesesteaks
Are chicken cheesesteaks healthier than regular cheesesteaks?
Generally yes. Chicken breast contains less fat than the ribeye typically used in traditional cheesesteaks, making it a lighter option.
What’s the difference between a chicken cheesesteak and a chicken Philly?
They’re essentially the same thing! “Chicken Philly” is just shorthand for a chicken Philly cheesesteak.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great for a quick version, though it won’t have quite the same texture as freshly cooked sliced chicken.
What’s the best cheese to use?
This comes down to personal preference, but American, provolone, and Cheez Whiz are the most traditional options.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Mushrooms make an excellent substitute for chicken in a vegetarian cheesesteak.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of thinly sliced chicken, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a good-quality roll that makes chicken cheesesteak an enduring favorite. Whether you’re making it at home or seeking out the best version at your local sandwich shop, understanding what goes into this delicious creation will help you appreciate every bite.
The beauty of the chicken cheesesteak lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a sandwich that can satisfy nearly any palate. So next time you’re craving something indulgent but not too heavy, remember that a chicken cheesesteak might be just the thing!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a chicken cheesesteak? Do you prefer it classic or with creative toppings? I’d love to hear about your experiences with this awesome sandwich!
How to Freeze Chicken Cheesesteaks After Cooking
- Let the filling cool to room temp, then separate into meal-size portions and place in freezer bags.
- Label and transfer to the freezer.
- Thaw overnight then warm in the microwave or in the oven in a casserole dish covered with foil. Toast the hoagie rolls then fill with warm chicken Philly cheesesteak filling.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make a Chicken Cheesesteak.
Spread the butter on the hoagie rolls and toast them in the skillet. If you like, mix the mayo and garlic powder together and spread them on the toasted buns.
Add the olive oil to the skillet. When hot, add the seasoned chicken breast strips to the skillet. Sear on both sides until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the onions and peppers to the skillet and saute, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add cheese. Cover, and, once melted, scoop the filling into the toasted buns.
- For easier slicing, place the chicken in the freezer for a few minutes – Move the chicken to the freezer for 15 minutes or so before slicing it. The burst of cold air helps firm up the chicken, which will make it easier to slice thinly.
- Use soft butter – For easier spreading, make sure your butter is at room temperature, or you can microwave it for a few seconds to help soften it.
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep ahead – Slice and season your chicken and prep your veggies ahead of time. Then just store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days until you’re ready to cook. A little prepping ahead of time makes this chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe extra easy!
- Use your freezer – You can freeze the ingredients for these chicken cheesesteaks before OR after cooking. See the “Freezer Meal Instructions” for more info.
- Don’t flip your chicken too early! – Let it sit in the pan for a few minutes without stirring to really help sear the pieces of chicken. Those golden brown seared bits add so much flavor.
Making this Chicken Cheesesteak recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.