There’s something undeniably comforting about a skillet meal that combines tender chicken, melty cheese, and colorful peppers all in one pan. This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is exactly that—a speedy, flavorful dish that satisfies without fuss. Trust me, it’s a dinner that’ll soon become a weeknight favorite.

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 my go-to when I want big flavor without lots of dishes. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s comforting and satisfying, perfect for busy evenings or when you want something cozy but quick.

One-pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Colorful & Nutritious: The peppers and onions add freshness and a nice crunch.
Melty Cheese Magic: The provolone melts perfectly, giving it that classic cheesy goodness.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap veggies or spices to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The sweet peppers and onions soften just right, the chicken cooks tender and juicy, while the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add depth without overpowering.

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: Adds richness and helps caramelize the veggies and chicken for that perfect sear.
Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks down, balancing the dish’s savory side.
Red and green bell peppers: Offer a nice crunch and color contrast, plus their natural sweetness enhances the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings herbaceous notes, making the dish feel hearty.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the flavors.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully with just the right amount of creaminess and a mild tang.

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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 tweaking this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. It’s so flexible, which means you can make it just right for your taste buds.

Variation: I’ve swapped provolone for mozzarella or even sharp cheddar, and honestly, each cheesy version is a winner in its own right.
Vegetarian swap: Use sliced mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken for a tasty meatless take.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Seasonal tweaks: Try adding some thinly sliced zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies when peppers aren’t at their peak.

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 until tender and caramelized

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil’s shimmering, toss in the thinly sliced yellow onion and red and green bell peppers. Don’t skip seasoning here — add plenty of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let everything soften and caramelize nicely, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once tender, transfer the veggies to a plate. This keeps them from overcooking while you move on to the chicken.

Step 2: Brown the chicken in the same skillet for maximum flavor

Add the remaining olive oil to the hot skillet. Spread out the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer so they cook evenly. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden sear on one side, then stir and cook until fully cooked through—usually another 5-6 minutes. The searing step locks in juices and adds that irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Combine veggies and chicken, top with provolone, and melt

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, nestle the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine those flavors. Sprinkle the shredded provolone cheese all over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt perfectly—this usually takes 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook. Serve hot straight from the skillet for maximum comfort.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe countless times, and the biggest game changer is in how you brown the chicken. Taking your time to let it sear without stirring too much makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

Patience Pays Off: Let the chicken sit in the skillet long enough to develop that golden crust before flipping.
Slice Thinly: Thin slices cook faster and more evenly, so don’t skip this prep step.
Layer Flavors: Cooking veggies first means you get sweet caramelized notes rather than soggy peppers.
Cheese Cover: Be sure to cover the skillet when melting cheese to trap heat and get perfect melt.

How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe

chicken cheesesteak - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and sometimes a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can really lift everything at the end, too. These simple touches bring freshness and balance to the richness of cheese and chicken.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this skillet meal with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted potatoes for something heartier. Garlic bread or soft rolls also work beautifully if you want to keep with the classic sandwich vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this skillet dish at a dinner party on individual cast iron skillets, which made it feel extra special and rustic. You can also use it as a filling for hoagie rolls with a side of fries for a more traditional cheesesteak experience. It’s surprisingly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, they last up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results. To freeze, cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming gently in a skillet over low heat with a lid on to preserve moisture and melt the cheese again. The microwave works too but can make the chicken a bit dry if overheated, so go easy on the time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for provolone cheese?

If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella or Monterey Jack work as great substitutes due to their excellent melting qualities. For a sharper flavor, try cheddar or even a mild gouda.

Can I prepare this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe in advance?

You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken ahead of time to save prep on the day you cook. However, it’s best to cook and assemble the skillet close to serving time for the freshest taste and best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients as is. Just be mindful of any store-bought seasonings or cheeses that could contain additives—always check labels if you have a sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself recommending endlessly because it delivers satisfaction quickly and with so little effort. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s nothing better than a tasty, cheesy skillet meal that feels comforting but still fresh and bright. Give it a try soon; I’d bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!