I’m excited to share this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe because it perfectly captures that melty, savory cheesesteak vibe but in a quick, one-pan dinner that’s full of vibrant peppers and tender chicken. It’s exactly the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special without much fuss.

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

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s ridiculously easy but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Every time I make it, the house fills with that irresistible aroma of sautéed peppers and seasoned chicken that just promises comfort food heaven.

Simple One-Skillet Meal: Cleanup is a breeze, and you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients: The combo of sweet bell peppers, smoky paprika, and Italian seasoning lifts this beyond your typical cheesesteak.
Melty Cheese Finish: Provolone melts beautifully on top, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Customizable and Family Friendly: You can easily tweak the veggies or swap chicken for beef if you want.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe plays an important role in delivering layers of flavor and texture. Plus, the ingredients are simple to find, and with a few little tips, you’ll elevate your dish every time.

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: Helps sauté the veggies and chicken with a beautiful caramelization but choose extra virgin for extra flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down; slice thin so it softens quickly.
Red and green bell peppers: These bring color, fresh crunch, and natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for fast cooking and an easy-to-eat texture that soaks up all the seasoning.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle warmth to replace the traditional grilled beef flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer inside the skillet.
Shredded provolone cheese: The melty, mild cheese that binds it all together with a classic cheesesteak feel.

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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 experimenting with this recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or the season — it’s a great base that you can customize without losing the essence of a classic cheesesteak skillet. Play around and make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped the chicken for thinly sliced sirloin for a more traditional cheesesteak feel, and it was a hit with the family.
Vegetarian twist: Use mushrooms or a meat substitute instead of chicken for a tasty plant-based skillet.
Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing the veggies if you like a little heat.
Cheese options: Try mozzarella or cheddar if provolone isn’t handy — still delicious but with a slightly different melt and flavor.

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 Your Veggies to Tenderness

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in those thinly sliced onions and bell peppers with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir occasionally but let them soften until they're tender and just starting to caramelize—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Getting the veggies nicely browned is key to flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once they’re perfect, transfer them to a plate and set aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Just Right

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty skillet. Spread your thin slices of chicken breasts evenly in the pan, letting them cook undisturbed for a couple minutes. This helps them develop a nice golden-brown crust, which adds so much flavor. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to keep things flavorful. After a few minutes, stir and sauté until the chicken is fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes total.

Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Return your cooked onions and peppers, along with all their delicious juices, back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. Now sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. This final touch is what brings that classic cheesesteak skillet magic to your plate.

Top Tip

Making this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that totally up your game and make the process smoother and more delicious.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: To ensure your chicken browns nicely instead of steaming, give the pieces room and cook in batches if needed.
Slice chicken and veggies uniformly: This helps everything cook evenly and finish around the same time.
Reserve cooking juices: Don’t throw away the plate juices from the sautéed veggies; they carry a ton of flavor that adds moisture when you toss everything back together.
Use a lid for cheese melting: Covering the skillet traps heat to melt your cheese perfectly without drying out the chicken or veggies.

How to Serve Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe

Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Sometimes, I like a drizzle of hot sauce or a little extra cracked black pepper for a bit of punch. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or even some garlic bread to soak up any cheesy juices. When I want to keep it light, steamed green beans or a tangy coleslaw are my go-tos.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe over toasted baguette slices like an open-faced sandwich at casual dinners. It’s also great spooned into warm pita pockets for a handheld option perfect for game day or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, making the next-day meal even better.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Just let the skillet cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend freezing without the cheese on top and adding fresh cheese when reheating for the best melt.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, covering to keep moisture in and avoid drying out the chicken. Microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet method keeps the texture better. If adding extra cheese, sprinkle it on during reheating and cover until melted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use beef instead of chicken in this Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef is actually more traditional for cheesesteaks. If using beef, cook it a little less to keep it tender, and reduce the seasoning slightly to let the meat shine.

What kind of cheese works best if I can’t find provolone?

Mozzarella, mozzarella blends, or even mild white cheddar are excellent substitutes. Each will melt well, though the flavor won’t be quite as classic. Try to use a cheese that melts smoothly for the best texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking?

Yes! You can slice your chicken and veggies ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the same steps. This saves time on busy nights and keeps ingredients fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be gluten-free as is, since it doesn’t include bread or any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your seasoning blends and cheese labels to be sure they don’t have hidden gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet recipe is absolutely one of those dishes that makes me smile every time I cook it. It’s all the goodness of a cheesesteak without the hassle of sandwiches or extra pans. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get a homey, satisfying meal that everyone loves. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become a favorite in your weeknight rotation just like it is in mine.