Quick & Healthy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet: Your Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate solution for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight meal with this incredibly quick Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe. Designed to come together in mere minutes, this savory dish is perfect for even the busiest evenings. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying low-carb dinner on its own, planning to bulk it up with some fluffy rice, or enjoying it on gluten-free hoagie rolls, this recipe offers versatility without compromising on flavor or ease.
For those who adore anything Philly Cheesesteak related, and have a soft spot for the convenience of a one-pan recipe, this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is destined to become a new family favorite. What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious use of ground chicken, which significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional chicken breasts, yet still delivers all the iconic flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Imagine tender-crisp sweet peppers, perfectly caramelized onions, and a rich, melted layer of provolone cheese, all infused with savory seasonings. This dish brings the comforting taste of your favorite Philly food right to your dinner table, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone!
My easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet offers all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of a traditional cheesesteak, but without the bread, making it an excellent low-carb option. This hearty skillet-based meal is generously loaded with tender ground chicken, sweet and smoky caramelized bell peppers and onions, and finished with a luxurious layer of melted provolone cheese. The magic lies in a carefully crafted savory blend of seasonings, enhanced by the deep umami notes from Worcestershire sauce and the slightly sweet, soy-free kick of coconut aminos.
Enhance your meal by serving this delightful skillet with my freezer brown rice for a wholesome addition, or indulge in the crispy goodness of my homemade french fries for a more classic pairing!
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More Reasons To Love This Easy Skillet Meal
Beyond its incredible flavor, there are so many practical reasons why this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- This recipe is a true one-pan meal, meaning maximum flavor creation happens in a single skillet, leading to significantly less cleanup afterwards. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to more free time!
- Enjoy amazing flexible protein choices. While ground chicken is fantastic for its speed and lean profile, you can easily use thinly sliced chicken breast, turkey, or even ground beef for a different twist, perfectly suiting your preference or what you have on hand.
- It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free when served without a roll. This makes it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal without the added carbs.
- The dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it the ideal candidate for those chaotic weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- You’ll absolutely love the ultimate cheesy comfort provided by the generous layer of melted provolone and the sharp, nutty notes of grated pecorino Romano on top. It’s a delightful combination that makes every bite irresistible.
If you love a good skillet meal as much as we do, be sure to check out some of my other incredible dinner options! My Easy Taco Skillet, the One-Pan Taco Zucchini Skillet Recipe, or the ever-popular Lazy Zucchini Enchilada Skillet are all fantastic for a flavorful and easy dinner.
Key Ingredients for Your Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
Crafting this flavorful chicken cheesesteak skillet requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. For precise measurements and a detailed breakdown, please refer to the printable recipe card provided at the bottom of this page.
- Avocado Oil: This neutral oil adds richness and has a high smoke point, perfect for browning the meat and caramelizing your vegetables. You can also use extra virgin olive oil or butter for similar results.
- Ground Chicken: The star protein of our dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Feel free to swap with ground beef, or thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a different texture.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and helping the vegetables sweat and caramelize, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples provide a foundational layer of savory aromatic flavor that is crucial for any good cheesesteak.
- Oregano or Italian Seasoning: Lends a herbaceous, earthy flavor that contributes to that classic, comforting cheesesteak profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a deep, complex umami flavor that perfectly complements the meat and veggies.
- Coconut Aminos: A fantastic soy-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a slightly sweet and savory depth. It’s great for those avoiding soy or looking for a milder flavor.
- Chicken Broth or Water: Used to deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits, and helping to soften the vegetables to tender perfection.
- Bell Peppers: We recommend using a mix of colors (green, red, yellow, orange) for a vibrant dish that offers natural sweetness and a satisfying tender-crisp texture.
- Yellow Onion: When thinly sliced and sautéed, the yellow onion caramelizes into soft, sweet layers that are quintessential to any cheesesteak.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: This sharp, salty, and nutty Italian hard cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor when grated over the finished dish.
- Provolone Cheese: Known for its exceptional melting qualities, provolone creates a creamy, stretchy, and utterly satisfying blanket over the chicken and vegetables.
Substitutions and Creative Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your dietary needs, preferences, or what you have available:
- Protein Swap: You can easily substitute ground beef for the ground chicken for a more traditional cheesesteak flavor, or use thinly sliced chicken breast or turkey. If using sliced meat, ensure it’s cut thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Oil Alternatives: If avocado oil isn’t on hand, any neutral-flavored oil like canola, grapeseed, or even a good quality extra virgin olive oil will work perfectly. Butter can also be used for extra richness.
- Soy-Free Alternative: For those without coconut aminos, you can use half the amount of regular soy sauce (if not avoiding soy) or increase the Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami boost.
- Cheesier Options: While provolone and pecorino are classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, white cheddar, or a Monterey Jack blend for a different cheesy experience. A spoonful of cream cheese stirred in at the end can also add extra creaminess.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, include some thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the bell peppers and onions.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even some thinly shredded cabbage during the vegetable sautéing step.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped and sprinkled over the finished skillet, can add a bright, fresh flavor.
Simple Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Follow these straightforward steps to create your mouthwatering Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet:
Step 1: Brown the Chicken. Heat half of the avocado oil (or butter/other oil) in a large cast-iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano/Italian seasoning, and the Worcestershire sauce. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl, reserving any drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables. Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Once hot, add the thinly sliced bell peppers and yellow onion. Sprinkle with the remaining salt to help them release moisture and caramelize. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. If the pan seems dry or the vegetables are sticking, add 2-4 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to deglaze and help them soften further without burning.
Step 3: Combine and Flavor. Return the browned ground chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the coconut aminos and another splash of chicken broth (if needed) to create a bit of a sauce and ensure everything is moist and flavorful. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the flavors meld. Cook over medium-high heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing any excess liquid to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese. Evenly sprinkle the grated pecorino Romano cheese over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, arrange the slices of provolone cheese in a single layer to completely cover the top. Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil if you don’t have a lid that fits) and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve Hot. Once the cheese is thoroughly melted and slightly browned in spots, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow it to rest for a minute or two before serving directly from the pan. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet!
Serving Suggestions for Your Skillet Meal
This versatile Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to adapt to any meal plan:
- Classic Low-Carb: Enjoy it as a stand-alone meal, allowing the rich flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and cheese to shine.
- With Grains: Serve alongside brown rice, quinoa, or even white rice to make it a heartier, more filling meal.
- On a Roll: For a more traditional cheesesteak experience, scoop the mixture onto toasted gluten-free hoagie rolls or a regular sub roll.
- Fresh & Light: Complement the rich flavors with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Veggie Boost: Add a side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Alternative Carbs: Pair with cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb option, or enjoy atop baked sweet potatoes or regular baked potatoes.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet is fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious and healthy meals ready to go throughout the week:
Prep Ahead: You can certainly cut all the bell peppers and onions in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For ultimate convenience, you can cook the entire dish ahead of time for your weekly meal prep. This dish holds up well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
To Store: Allow the cooked skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure it’s sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent other food odors from permeating.
To Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and steaming, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating, covering the container with a lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
To Freeze: This dish freezes well! Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the cheese might change slightly upon freezing and reheating, becoming a bit less creamy, but the flavor will still be excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Yes, absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or chicken thighs work wonderfully. Just be sure to slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness and adjust the cook time slightly to avoid drying out the meat. You’ll want to cook it quickly until just done before adding it back with the vegetables.
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until steaming hot. Adding a tablespoon of chicken broth or water during reheating can help maintain moisture.
Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply omit the cheeses entirely, or use your favorite dairy-free provolone and a sprinkle of a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The robust flavors from the seasoned meat and caramelized vegetables will still shine through beautifully.
Yes, this skillet meal freezes quite well! Allow the dish to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the melted cheese may change slightly upon thawing and reheating, but the overall taste and satisfaction will remain high.
A large cast-iron skillet (10-12 inches) is ideal because it retains heat well and provides excellent browning, creating those delicious caramelized bits. A good quality stainless steel skillet or a non-stick skillet can also be used effectively, just ensure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
While fresh vegetables are always recommended for the best texture and flavor, frozen pre-sliced bell peppers and onions can be used in a pinch to save time. Just be aware that they might release more water during cooking, so you might need to increase the cooking time slightly to allow the moisture to evaporate and for them to caramelize properly.
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Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe Card
Nancylynn
4
servings
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
15 minutes
Ingredients
-
4
teaspoons
avocado oil
extra-virgin olive oil, or butter, divided -
1
pound
ground chicken or beef
can sub sliced chicken breast, chicken thighs, or any other type of meat to make this dish your own -
¾
teaspoon
salt
divided use -
½
teaspoon
garlic powder -
½
teaspoon
onion powder -
½
teaspoon
oregano or Italian seasoning -
1
tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
or sub more coconut aminos -
3
tablespoons
coconut aminos
divided use (or sub half the amount of Worcestershire sauce, to taste) -
2-4
tablespoons
chicken broth or water -
3
bell peppers
thinly sliced -
1
yellow onion
thinly sliced -
2
tablespoons
pecorino romano cheese
freshly grated -
4
slices
provolone cheese
Instructions
-
Melt butter or heat oil in a large cast iron skillet or other large skillet over medium-high heat, then add in ground meat.
-
Season with ½ tsp of salt and the remaining dry seasoning. Add in Worcestershire sauce and sauté until cooked through, then remove from pan and set aside.
-
Add in the remaining oil or butter, then the sliced bell peppers and onions. Add the remaining salt to the pan to help the veggies sweat and caramelize. Lower heat to medium and add in 2-4 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to help soften the vegetables. Sauté until tender-crisp.
-
After the veggies are tender and fragrant, add the cooked ground chicken back into the pan along with the coconut aminos and a little more chicken broth if the pan is dry. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Evenly sprinkle with pecorino Romano cheese and arrange sliced provolone in a single layer over the top. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the cheese melts beautifully.
-
Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, remove from heat and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories:
331
kcal
Carbohydrates:
12
g
Protein:
27
g
Fat:
20
g
Saturated Fat:
7
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
Cholesterol:
113
mg
Sodium:
989
mg
Potassium:
899
mg
Fiber:
3
g
Sugar:
6
g
Vitamin A:
2980
IU
Vitamin C:
117
mg
Calcium:
200
mg
Iron:
2
mg
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