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; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Kosher salt to taste; Fresh ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and comes together super fast. It’s comfort food elevated with tender chicken, sweet peppers, and melty provolone—a perfect one-pan meal you’ll want again and again.

A close-up view of a skillet dish featuring several layers: the bottom layer has cooked chicken pieces that are light brown with grill marks, mixed with sautéed sliced onions that are soft and slightly browned, and thin strips of red and green bell peppers adding bright pops of color throughout. On top of this mixture, melted white cheese is spread evenly, creating a creamy texture that covers the chicken and vegetables, with some areas showing a slight stretch of the cheese. A wooden spoon is resting inside the skillet, partially under the food. The skillet 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

I’m always looking for meals that are delicious, simple, and don’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe fits the bill every time and feels a little special without any fuss.

Simple One-Pan Dinner: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze after a hectic day.
Flavor-Packed: Italian seasoning and smoked paprika give the chicken a tasty, smoky edge that pairs perfectly with sweet sautéed peppers.
Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters usually ask for seconds!
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, so you can eat more and stress less.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here is in the balance: tender chicken with a touch of smoky spice, sweet bell peppers, and melty provolone that ties everything together. These ingredients come together to create that iconic cheesesteak vibe but in a lighter, skillet-friendly form.

Flat lay of a halved yellow onion thinly sliced, a red bell pepper sliced into strips, a green bell pepper sliced into strips, thinly sliced raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of smoked paprika, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of fresh ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with shredded provolone cheese, all ingredients fresh and natural, laid out symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed 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: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to get a nice sear without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Sweet and mellow, it softens beautifully when sautéed, adding depth to the skillet.
Red and green bell peppers: These bring sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color—don't skip them!
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking; pound slightly if needed to get even thickness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that add aromatic complexity and a savory boost.
Smoked paprika: This is your secret weapon for that subtle smoky flavor that channels the classic cheesesteak.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Shredded provolone cheese: Melts like a dream and delivers that authentic cheesesteak cheese pull.

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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

This recipe is super adaptable, and I love playing with different cheeses or veggies to switch things up. It’s one of those dishes where you can truly make it your own without losing any of that classic cheesesteak charm.

Variation: Sometimes I swap provolone for mozzarella or pepper jack for a little spicy kick — both work really well.
Veggie swap: Try adding mushrooms or even some sautéed jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Make it low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side salad instead of bread for a lighter meal.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

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

A sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing three layers of fillings; the bottom layer is thin slices of cooked chicken with light brown grill marks mixed with small pieces of red and green peppers, the middle layer is melted light yellow cheese that drapes over the chicken, and the top layer is a mix of cooked onions and more cheese melting on top; all fillings are inside a white crusty bread roll with a soft airy texture inside, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Sweet Perfection

Start by heating half of your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir them occasionally and let them soften until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This brings out the natural sweetness and builds flavor. Set them aside once done.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Add the rest of the olive oil to the pan and spread the thinly sliced chicken breast out in a single layer. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes to get that golden-brown sear going — don’t rush this part! Then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Cheese

Return those tender peppers and onions, along with all the tasty juices, back into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything to combine. Sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly on top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt gently, about 2-3 minutes. Then, dig in while it’s hot and melty!

Top Tip

From my many attempts at making Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe, controlling the heat and timing is key! Here are some tips that really make the difference between good and great.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your chicken pieces are too crowded, they’ll steam instead of brown—use a large skillet or cook in batches if needed.
Thin is in: Thinly slicing or pounding your chicken ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Season in layers: Salt and pepper the veggies and chicken separately to build flavor throughout the dish.
Cover for the melt: Don’t skip covering the skillet when you add cheese — it helps the cheese melt evenly and locks in steam.

How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

chicken cheesesteak - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a drizzle of sriracha or a few dashes of hot sauce also takes it up a notch!

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft hoagie rolls for sandwich-style eating. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside a mixed green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes spoon the chicken cheesesteak mixture into rustic bread bowls or stuff it into roasted bell peppers for a fun twist. It’s also delicious served on toasted garlic bread with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I let the skillet cool completely before transferring to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely without losing flavor. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and re-melt the cheese perfectly. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook. Just slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

What can I substitute if I don’t have provolone cheese?

Mozzarella, fontina, or even Swiss cheese are good alternatives that melt well and pair nicely with the flavors in this skillet. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt easily.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with bread or buns that contain gluten. Everything in the skillet itself contains gluten-free ingredients.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully and makes for a great lunch or dinner option during busy weekdays. Just store portions separately to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals—not just for the taste but for how easy it is to whip up on busy nights. I know you’ll enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness just as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!