Unleash Your Inner Grill Master: The Ultimate Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

Philly Cheesesteaks are a legendary sandwich, synonymous with the vibrant food scene of Philadelphia. While the classic version features thinly sliced steak, this recipe takes a delicious detour with chicken, offering a lighter, equally flavorful twist on the iconic favorite. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak recipe! This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you create a sandwich that rivals the best cheesesteaks in Philly… or at least your own kitchen!

Why Chicken Cheesesteak?

Steak cheesesteaks are undeniably delicious, but chicken cheesesteaks offer several advantages:

* **Lighter and Healthier:** Chicken breast is leaner than steak, making it a slightly healthier option.
* **Versatility:** Chicken readily absorbs flavors, allowing for exciting variations and customized seasonings.
* **Cost-Effective:** Chicken is often more affordable than steak, making this a budget-friendly meal.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Chicken cooks faster than steak, reducing your overall prep and cooking time.

The Key to a Perfect Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak

The secret to an authentic Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak lies in the quality of ingredients and the technique. Here’s a breakdown of the crucial elements:

* **The Chicken:** Thinly sliced chicken breast is essential. This ensures quick cooking and a tender, juicy result. You can either slice it yourself or purchase pre-sliced chicken breast.
* **The Roll:** A soft, slightly chewy hoagie roll is the traditional choice. Amoroso’s rolls are considered the gold standard in Philly, but any good quality hoagie roll will work. Look for a roll that can hold its shape and not fall apart under the weight of the filling.
* **The Cheese:** Provolone is the most common cheese used in Philly cheesesteaks. However, American cheese and Cheez Whiz are also popular choices. Choose your preference based on your desired flavor and texture.
* **The Onions:** Thinly sliced onions are a must. They add a sweet and savory element that complements the chicken and cheese.
* **The Cooking Technique:** Searing the chicken and onions on a hot griddle or cast iron skillet is critical. This creates a flavorful crust and ensures even cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
* 2 large onions, thinly sliced
* 8 hoagie rolls
* 16 slices provolone cheese (or American cheese, or Cheez Whiz)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional toppings: hot peppers, sweet peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, mayonnaise

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large griddle or cast iron skillet
* Spatula
* Knife
* Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. If you purchased whole chicken breasts, place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them thinly against the grain. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

**Step 2: Prepare the Onions**

1. Peel the onions and cut them in half. Then, thinly slice each half into half-moon shapes.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Onions**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the griddle is hot before adding the chicken and onions. A hot surface is key to achieving that signature seared flavor.
2. Add the sliced onions to the hot griddle and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the onions are cooked, push them to one side of the griddle. Add the seasoned chicken to the other side of the griddle.
4. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, mix it together with the caramelized onions.

**Step 4: Assemble the Cheesesteaks**

1. Divide the chicken and onion mixture into 8 equal portions on the griddle. Spread each portion out into a rectangle shape, roughly the length of your hoagie rolls.
2. Top each portion with 2 slices of provolone cheese (or your cheese of choice). Allow the cheese to melt slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Use a spatula to carefully scoop up each cheesesteak portion and place it into a hoagie roll. You can use two spatulas if needed to help transfer the cheesesteak without it falling apart.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve your Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteaks immediately. Offer optional toppings such as hot peppers, sweet peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, or mayonnaise.
2. Enjoy the taste of Philadelphia in your own home!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesesteak

* **Don’t overcrowd the griddle:** Cook the chicken and onions in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the griddle and result in steamed, rather than seared, chicken and onions.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the cheesesteak. Invest in good quality chicken, onions, cheese, and rolls.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** This recipe is a guideline. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and toppings to create your perfect cheesesteak.
* **Toast the rolls:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, toast the hoagie rolls lightly before adding the filling.
* **Melt the cheese properly:** Ensure the cheese is melted and gooey before adding the filling to the rolls. This will help to bind the ingredients together and create a more cohesive sandwich.
* **Chop the chicken:** For a more traditional texture, you can chop the cooked chicken and onions with your spatula while they are on the griddle. This will create smaller, more uniform pieces.

Variations and Add-ins

* **Spicy Cheesesteak:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or top with hot peppers.
* **Mushroom Cheesesteak:** Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while they are cooking.
* **Pizza Cheesesteak:** Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to create a pizza-inspired cheesesteak.
* **Cheez Whiz Cheesesteak:** Replace the provolone or American cheese with Cheez Whiz for a truly authentic Philly experience.
* **Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak:** Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the roll.

Serving Suggestions

Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteaks are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with:

* French fries
* Onion rings
* Coleslaw
* Pickles
* Potato salad

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover chicken and onion mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the cheesesteaks.
* **Assembled Cheesesteaks:** Assembled cheesesteaks are best eaten immediately. However, you can wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

(Per serving, without toppings)

* Calories: 600-800
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

This Philly Style Chicken Cheesesteak recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful chicken, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a game-day gathering. So, fire up your griddle and get ready to experience the taste of Philadelphia in your own kitchen! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature cheesesteak. Enjoy!