The chicken Philly cheese steak is a delightful variation of the classic Philadelphia cheese steak sandwich. With its tender, marinated chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese, this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken Philly cheese steak, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, etc.
Preparation
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s prepare the chicken and vegetables:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is crucial to infuse it with a savory taste. Follow these steps:
- Place the chicken strips in a resealable plastic bag.
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bag.
- Seal the bag and massage it gently to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for better results, marinate it for a few hours.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
The next step involves sautéing the onions and bell peppers to bring out their natural sweetness and add a flavorful dimension to the sandwich:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet.
- Sauté them until they become tender and slightly caramelized, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Grilling the Chicken
Now that the chicken has marinated and the vegetables are prepared, it’s time to cook the chicken to perfection:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken strips on the grill.
- Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has a nicely charred appearance.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.
Step 4: Assembling the Sandwich
With the chicken and sautéed vegetables ready, it’s time to assemble the mouthwatering sandwich:
- Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally, but not all the way through, creating a pocket to hold the fillings.
- Spread any desired condiments, such as mayonnaise or ketchup, on the inside of the rolls.
- Fill each roll with the grilled chicken, sautéed onions, and bell peppers.
- Place two slices of provolone cheese on top of each sandwich.
Step 5: Melting the Cheese
The next step is to melt the cheese and create a gooey, irresistible filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake them in the oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Your delectable chicken Philly cheese steak sandwiches are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Consider serving them with a side of French fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Healthier Variations
If you’re looking for a healthier twist on the traditional chicken Philly cheese steak, consider these alternatives:
- Use whole wheat hoagie rolls instead of white rolls for added fiber and nutrients.
- Substitute the provolone cheese with reduced-fat or low-fat cheese options.
- Grill the chicken instead of sautéing it to reduce the amount of oil used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack to personalize the flavor of your sandwich.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, jalapeños, or any other veggies you enjoy to customize your chicken Philly cheese steak.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy the sandwiches fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sautéed vegetables ahead of time and assemble them when ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with marinated tofu or seitan for a vegetarian or vegan version of the Philly cheese steak.
What other toppings can I add to the sandwich?
Some popular toppings include hot sauce, pickles, banana peppers, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Conclusion
The chicken Philly cheese steak is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich. With its marinated grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal option. By following this recipe, you can create your own mouthwatering chicken Philly cheese steak right in your own kitchen. Enjoy this scrumptious dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
