Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches

These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches make the ultimate weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, colorful sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese all tucked into a warm toasted roll. When I am short on time but crave something extra satisfying, this sandwich always comes to the rescue.

I first whipped this up using leftover chicken and whatever veggies were in the crisper. Ever since then, it has been my go-to when everyone is hungry and I need dinner fast.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or thighs: Sliced thinly ensures juicy and tender filling every time buy fresh or organic if possible
• Olive oil: Brings flavor and helps the chicken and veggies turn golden extra virgin works best
• Onion: Sliced thin for caramelized sweetness yellow or sweet onions are my favorite for this
• Bell pepper: Any color for crunch and vibrant color red bell peppers add a little extra sweetness
• Garlic: Minced for a fragrant savoriness always use fresh for best results
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness Spanish or Hungarian varieties work beautifully
• Salt: Balances everything look for kosher or sea salt for pure flavor
• Black pepper: For a touch of heat grind fresh for max aroma
• Dried oregano and dried thyme: Layer in earthiness and depth use dried herbs from a recent jar for best potency
• Soy sauce (optional): Adds umami and extra depth I like to use low sodium
• Hoagie rolls or sub rolls: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling look for fresh bakery rolls
• Provolone cheese or American cheese: For gooey meltability use full-fat for best flavor and texture
• Optional toppings: Like sautéed mushrooms pickled jalapeños or extra veggies for a personal touch go with whatever you love

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken and vegetables:

Slice chicken into thin strips for fast cooking and tender bites then thinly slice onion and bell pepper setting each aside for easy access

Sauté the chicken:

Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet add the sliced chicken and stir frequently so each piece cooks evenly until no longer pink this should take five to seven minutes

Cook the veggies:

Add sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked chicken stir together and let them soften for five minutes the goal is tender veggies with just a hint of caramelized edges

Flavor it up:

Stir in minced garlic paprika salt black pepper oregano and thyme cook while stirring for another one to two minutes until the garlic smells fragrant and the spices have really bloomed

Add a flavor boost:

Drizzle in soy sauce if using and toss everything to coat this is optional but it deepens the flavor of the filling

Toast the bread:

Split your hoagie rolls and toast cut side up in the oven or toaster just until warm and slightly crisp which helps the rolls hold up to the juicy filling

Cheese the rolls:

Lay one slice of provolone on the bottom half of each toasted roll so it melts into the bread from the warmth of both the roll and filling

Assemble the sandwiches:

Pile the hot chicken and veggie mixture over the cheese pressing down a bit so every bite is loaded

Melt the cheese:

Set the open sandwiches under your broiler or in the toaster oven for just a minute until the cheese is bubbly and melty but not browned

Top and serve:

Add optional toppings like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños if desired then pop on the top half of each roll and enjoy hot

Pin

My kids adore the sweetness from the onions and peppers and love personalizing with their favorite toppings. Once my youngest decided to add extra jalapeños and called it “the spicy special” and it became her new favorite.

Storage tips

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven so the bread crisps and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving whole sandwiches as it makes the rolls soggy.

Ingredient substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken in place of sautéing raw chicken for even faster assembly. Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead of provolone for a different cheesy kick. For a vegetarian spin swap shredded cooked mushrooms or tempeh for the chicken.

Serving suggestions

Pair with a fresh side salad for a light meal or add baked fries or sweet potato wedges for extra heartiness. Sometimes I serve these sliced into halves for parties or game day platters.

Cultural context

This sandwich draws inspiration from the Philly cheesesteak but uses chicken for a lighter twist. It is a classic in American comfort food taking the familiar flavors of steak sandwiches and making them a little easier on the waistline and prep time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor. Simply slice them thinly before cooking for the best texture.

→ What cheese works best besides provolone?

American cheese melts nicely and adds classic flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, stretchy texture. Choose your favorite!

→ How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling helps form a barrier, keeping them crisp even with the hot filling.

→ Are there optional toppings I can add?

Sautéed mushrooms, pickled jalapeños, or extra onions and peppers add variety and boost the flavor of each sandwich.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead and simply reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Try using sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives in place of the chicken for a satisfying vegetarian option.