Chicken Philly Sandwiches: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Chicken Philly Sandwiches: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Philadelphia, but with a delicious twist! Forget everything you thought you knew about the classic cheesesteak because this chicken version is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and piled high on a soft, toasted roll, smothered in melted cheese and your choice of delectable toppings. Are you drooling yet?

While the original Philly cheesesteak boasts a rich history rooted in the early 20th century Philadelphia, our Chicken Philly Sandwiches offer a lighter, equally satisfying alternative. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It captures the essence of the iconic sandwich – the savory meat, the gooey cheese, the satisfying bread – while offering a leaner protein option. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly easy to customize to their liking. Whether you’re a fan of classic provolone and onions, or prefer to add a kick with peppers and mushrooms, the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate Chicken Philly experience!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Sandwiches:
• 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
• Optional toppings: banana peppers, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Slice the Chicken: The key to a great Philly is thinly sliced chicken. If you’re having trouble slicing it thinly, partially freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make them firmer and easier to work with. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Cook the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced chicken to the other side. If your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all the chicken at once, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
6. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper (if using).
7. Combine and Cook: Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes), mix it with the sautéed vegetables. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Keep Warm: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the Flour: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Gradually Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
4. Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5. Add the Cheddar and Provolone: Add the shredded cheddar and provolone cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Keep Warm: Keep the cheese sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out.

Assembling the Chicken Philly Sandwiches:

1. Prepare the Rolls: If desired, lightly toast the hoagie rolls. This will help prevent them from getting soggy from the cheese sauce.
2. Fill the Rolls: Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls.
3. Top with Cheese Sauce: Generously pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables in each roll. Make sure every bite is cheesy!
4. Add Optional Toppings: Add any desired toppings, such as banana peppers, jalapenos, lettuce, or tomato.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Philly Sandwiches immediately while they are hot and cheesy. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Philly:

• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese, will make a big difference in the flavor of your Philly sandwiches.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it sears properly and doesn’t steam.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the chicken and the cheese sauce to your liking. Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While the classic Philly only includes cheese, feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize your sandwich.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture and the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Variations:

• Steak Philly: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced steak for a classic Steak Philly.
• Mushroom Philly: Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetables for a Mushroom Philly.
• Spicy Philly: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken or cheese sauce for a Spicy Philly.
• Pizza Philly: Add pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese for a Pizza Philly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of french fries or onion rings.
• Pair with a crisp salad for a lighter meal.
• Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their sandwiches.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover chicken and vegetable mixture and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet or microwave. Reheat the cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per sandwich):

• Calories: 800-1000
• Protein: 50-60g
• Fat: 50-60g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Equipment:

• Large skillet or griddle
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience! The Chicken Philly Sandwich, with its juicy, flavorful chicken, perfectly melted cheese, and those oh-so-soft rolls, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers that authentic Philly cheesesteak vibe right in your own kitchen, without the plane ticket! It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. But why is this particular recipe so special? It’s all about the balance. The thinly sliced chicken cooks up quickly and evenly, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious. The careful seasoning blend elevates the flavor profile beyond your average sandwich, creating a truly memorable taste. And let’s not forget the cheese! The combination of provolone and white American creates that iconic, gooey, cheesy pull that defines a great Philly. Serving Suggestions and Variations: Now, let’s talk about how you can make this Chicken Philly Sandwich your own! While the classic recipe is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. * Toppings Galore: Experiment with different toppings! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers are classic additions, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding some banana peppers for a little kick, or some roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness. * Cheese Please: While provolone and white American are my go-to cheeses, feel free to experiment with others. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a creamy Havarti would all be delicious. * Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken while it’s cooking, or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished sandwich. * Roll with It: The roll is crucial! I prefer a soft, slightly chewy hoagie roll, but you can use any type of roll you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. * Side Dish Sensations: Serve your Chicken Philly Sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple salad. For a truly authentic experience, pair them with a side of cheese fries! * Make it a Meal: Cut the sandwiches into smaller portions and serve them as appetizers at your next party. They’re always a hit! * Chicken Philly Bowls: For a low-carb option, skip the roll altogether and serve the chicken and cheese mixture over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice. Top with your favorite veggies and enjoy! I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it. The key to a truly great Chicken Philly Sandwich is using quality ingredients and not being afraid to experiment with different flavors. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of a homemade Chicken Philly Sandwich. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, share your creations and variations in the comments below. Let me know what toppings you added, what cheese you used, and how you made it your own. Happy cooking!

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