There’s nothing quite like a classic Philly cheesesteak—savory, hearty, and packed with flavor. But what if you could enjoy all that goodness with lean chicken instead of beef? That’s where this Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks recipe comes in. I still remember the first time I tried making it at home; I was worried it wouldn’t match the authentic taste of a cheesesteak shop, but one bite changed my mind. It was juicy, cheesy, and packed with deliciously seasoned vegetables—all with minimal effort.

Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks

This recipe is perfect for beginners because:

  • It’s incredibly simple – The slow cooker does most of the work.
  • It’s quick to prepare – Just a few minutes of chopping, and then you can set it and forget it.
  • It’s healthier than a traditional cheesesteak – Using chicken instead of beef makes it leaner while keeping all the delicious flavor.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day meal, this easy slow cooker chicken Philly cheese steak is a fantastic choice.

Why This Recipe is Special

  • Set-It-and-Forget-It: The slow cooker allows you to prepare everything in the morning and come home to a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal.
  • Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Cooking chicken in broth keeps it moist and infuses it with rich seasoning.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings, veggies, and cheese to match your taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

  • Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breasts) – Provides a lean protein base that absorbs all the flavors.
  • Chicken Broth – Keeps the chicken moist and enhances the savory taste.
  • Bell Peppers (Any Color) – Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
  • White Onion – Brings a slightly sharp, savory contrast to the sweetness of the peppers.
  • Mushrooms – Adds a meaty texture and umami depth.
  • Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully over the chicken and veggies, creating that classic cheesesteak taste.
  • Hoagie Rolls or French Bread – The perfect bread for holding all the juicy, cheesy goodness.

Seasonings:

  • Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall savoriness.
  • Paprika – Adds mild smokiness and color.
  • Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

  • Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts – They provide a richer, more tender texture.
  • Swap Swiss Cheese for Provolone or Mozzarella – Both melt well and offer great flavor.
  • Try a Low-Carb Option – Skip the bread and serve this as a lettuce wrap or over cauliflower rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over the chicken. Do not add the vegetables yet.

Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: After 6 hours, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms on top of the cooked chicken. Lightly season the vegetables with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 1.5 hours. This ensures the vegetables stay slightly crisp instead of becoming mushy.

Step 5: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the veggies to ensure every bite has great flavor.

Step 6: Using tongs, scoop the chicken and veggie mixture onto hoagie rolls or French bread. Shake off any excess liquid before placing it on the bread to prevent sogginess.

Step 7: Top with Swiss cheese and place the sandwiches on a baking sheet under the broiler for about 2 minutes—just until the cheese melts and the bread gets lightly toasted.

Step 8: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • How to Know When the Chicken is Cooked: The chicken should be fork-tender and easy to shred. If using a thermometer, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Avoid Soggy Bread: Let excess liquid drain from the chicken mixture before placing it on the rolls. Broiling also helps keep the sandwich crispy.
  • Prepping Ahead: You can slice the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook everything in a large skillet over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges – A classic cheesesteak pairing that adds a satisfying crunch.
  • Serve with a Side Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sandwich.
  • Make It a Low-Carb Meal – Skip the bread and serve over quinoa, rice, or even inside a bell pepper for a stuffed-pepper variation.
  • Turn It Into a Wrap – Use a whole wheat or spinach tortilla for a handheld, on-the-go meal.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: The chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating Tips: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between heating.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker chicken Philly cheese steak is proof that you don’t need to be an experienced cook to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a juicy, flavorful sandwich packed with seasoned chicken, sautéed veggies, and melted cheese.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Did you make any modifications? What cheese did you use? Drop a comment below and share your experience. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out more beginner-friendly slow cooker meals.

Try it today, and make your weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious!

FAQ About Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and provide a richer, juicier flavor. Be sure to trim off excess fat before cooking, and use the same cooking time as you would for chicken breasts.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Swiss cheese is the recommended option for a mild, creamy taste, but provolone, mozzarella, or even white American cheese can also be used for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can cook the seasoned chicken in a large skillet over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, then sauté the vegetables separately until tender. Combine them, add cheese, and serve.

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Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks

Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks


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  • Author: Kathryne Taylor
  • Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

This slow cooker Chicken Philly Cheese Steak is an easy, flavorful twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Tender shredded chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are piled onto toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melted Swiss cheese. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, offering a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional beef version.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Vegetables:

  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
  • 1 white onion, sliced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • 46 hoagie rolls or French bread
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over them. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms on top. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 1.5 hours, allowing the vegetables to soften while still maintaining some texture.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooked vegetables to absorb all the flavorful juices.
  4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Using tongs, scoop the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the hoagie rolls, ensuring any excess liquid is shaken off to prevent sogginess.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Lay slices of Swiss cheese over the chicken and place the sandwiches open-faced under the broiler for about 2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly toasted.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. For extra flavor, try adding a spread of mayo or a dash of hot sauce to your sandwich.

Notes

  • Alternative Cheeses: Provolone, mozzarella, or white American cheese can be used instead of Swiss.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap instead of using bread.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Store the chicken and veggie mixture separately from the bread and assemble fresh for the best texture.
  • Making it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7.5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich (without additional toppings)
  • Calories: 242 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 504mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 116mg

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