Name: Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Kosher salt to taste; Fresh ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly but still tastes like you spent hours on it. This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe hits just that sweet spot—melty provolone, tender chicken, and those perfectly sautéed peppers and onions. Trust me, this is one skillet dinner you’ll want on repeat.

The image shows a pan full of a colorful dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is cooked strips of chicken, lightly browned and mixed with sautéed onions that are soft and slightly translucent. The middle layer has thin slices of red and green bell peppers, which are tender and mixed evenly throughout the dish. The top layer is melted white cheese, spread in an uneven but generous way, with some parts stretching and covering the vegetables and chicken. A wooden spoon is scooping up a portion from the pan, lifting some of the ingredients. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is one of my favorite weeknight go-tos because it delivers a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor without all the extra fuss. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup—and who doesn’t appreciate that?

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of staples that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Deliciously Adaptable: Love things spicy or extra cheesy? You can easily tweak it to fit your mood and taste buds.
One-Pan Meal: Minimal mess and maximum satisfaction combined.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe has a role in creating that harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Choosing fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken makes a noticeable difference here, and the Italian seasoning brings it all together with a subtle herbaceous pop.

Flat lay of thinly sliced raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved yellow onion with thin slices fanned out, thin strips of fresh red bell pepper, thin strips of fresh green bell pepper, small white bowl with golden olive oil, small white bowl filled with shredded provolone cheese, small white bowl containing mixed Italian seasoning herbs, small white bowl with smoked paprika powder, small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, small white bowl of fresh ground black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: This adds a mild, fruity base for sautéing while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced onions caramelize beautifully, adding sweetness and depth.
Red & Green Bell Peppers: These bring vibrant color, crunch, and a slight sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Thin slicing helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, perfect for skillet cooking.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that boosts flavor without overpowering the dish.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth, elevating the cheesesteak vibe.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish properly.
Provolone Cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy goodness that binds the skillet together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what kind of mood I’m in. It’s a flexible base that easily invites your personal touch, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for tenderized thin steak slices to get a more traditional cheesesteak feel—and it’s just as delicious!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños gives the skillet a nice kick if you like heat.
Cheese choice: If provolone isn’t your fave, mozzarella or even sharp white cheddar works great as a melty alternative.
Veggie boost: I’ve tossed in mushrooms or even a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra nutrients and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

This image shows a sandwich cut in half and stacked, resting on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two thick layers of crusty white bread with a golden brown outside and soft, airy, light beige inside. Inside each sandwich half, there is a layer of melted pale yellow cheese that looks soft and smooth. Below the cheese, there are pieces of cooked light brown chicken with visible grill marks, mixed with small pieces of red and green bell peppers and translucent cooked onions. Small bits of vegetables are spilling out onto the surface. The photo is clear with natural light, showing the layers and textures well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions to Soft Perfection

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add your thinly sliced onions and peppers along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir them every so often and let them cook until they’re soft, slightly caramelized, and absolutely fragrant—usually about 7 to 10 minutes. Once they’re ready, transfer them to a plate and set aside. Don’t skip the salt here; it really helps draw out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Bold Flavor

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then spread out the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single even layer. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Resist the urge to stir right away—let the chicken brown undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds so much flavor and texture! After browning, stir to cook through until no pink remains, which will take another 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Bring It All Together and Melt the Cheese

Return the sautéed peppers and onions along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything so the flavors meld. Then sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt gently for 2-3 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when it’s gooey and perfect for scooping.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that really help this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe shine. Here are some game changers from my own kitchen adventures:

Dry the Chicken Well: Pat the sliced chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice sear instead of steaming it in the pan.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed; overcrowding lowers the heat and prevents browning.
Use a Lid for Melting: Covering the skillet traps heat and melts the cheese evenly without drying out the chicken.
Season Generously: Taste as you go, especially when adding salt and pepper to the veggies and chicken—flavor layers make all the difference.

How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

chicken cheesesteak - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few fresh chopped parsley leaves or even some thinly sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and brightness. A drizzle of sriracha or a splash of hot sauce also pairs beautifully if you want a little heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like serving this skillet with crispy roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up those cheesy juices. Coleslaw adds a nice crunchy contrast, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I layered this mixture inside toasted hoagie rolls for a quick Philly-style sandwich party, which everyone loved. Or try it spooned over toasted baguette slices as a warm appetizer for game day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sooner you eat it, the better the texture and taste will be since the cheese and veggies stay freshest.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this skillet meal, I recommend leaving out the cheese until reheating. Freeze the chicken and veggies separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then add fresh cheese when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the skillet on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Then I sprinkle fresh shredded provolone on top, cover, and let it melt again. This keeps everything moist and melty, almost like it’s fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—boneless skinless chicken thighs work well as they stay juicy and tend to be more forgiving during cooking. Just slice them thin to match the recipe’s texture.

What’s the best way to thinly slice the chicken?

The easiest method is to slightly freeze the chicken breasts for about 20-30 minutes to firm them up, then use a sharp knife to slice thinly against the grain. This gives you tender, bite-sized strips.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out provolone cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or skip the cheese altogether and add more herbs and spices to keep it flavorful.

How do I prevent the vegetables from getting too soggy?

Make sure to cook the peppers and onions over medium-high heat until they’re tender but not mushy. Avoid overcrowding the pan and don’t cover the veggies while cooking to keep their texture crisp-tender.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite “everything” meals—not only because it hits those nostalgic cheesesteak notes, but also because it’s so easy to make after a long day. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a cozy spot in your weekly dinners. Give it a try and tell me how you like to twist it—it’s always fun to swap ideas!