What is a Chicken Cheesesteak? The Ultimate Guide to This Philly Favorite

Have you ever found yourself staring at a menu, wondering what exactly a chicken cheesesteak is? You’re not alone! As someone who’s been cooking (and eating!) these delicious sandwiches for years, I’m excited to break down everything you need to know about this mouth-watering meal that combines tender chicken, melty cheese, and a perfect roll into one amazing sandwich.

The Basics: What Is a Chicken Cheesesteak?

A chicken cheesesteak is essentially the poultry cousin of the famous Philadelphia cheesesteak. Instead of using thinly sliced ribeye beef, this variation uses seasoned grilled chicken as its protein base. The sandwich maintains all the delicious elements that make a cheesesteak great – the melty cheese, the sturdy roll, and the savory flavors – but with chicken as the star of the show.

For those of us watching our diets, chicken cheesesteaks are often considered a slightly healthier alternative to the traditional beef version, while still delivering that incredible comfort food experience we crave.

The History and Evolution

While the original beef cheesesteak is undeniably a Philadelphia icon, the chicken version has carved out its own dedicated following. In the Philly area, where cheesesteaks are basically a food group, chicken cheesesteaks have become a regular menu item at most sandwich shops and are enjoyed just as frequently as their beef counterparts by many locals.

As one Philly native puts it “I’ve lived in the Philly area my entire life We eat cheesesteaks on the regular – probably once or twice a month for nearly 50 years! That qualifies me as somewhat of an authority” This local perspective confirms that chicken cheesesteaks aren’t just a tourist novelty but a legitimate part of Philadelphia’s food culture.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Chicken Cheesesteak

The Chicken

The foundation of any great chicken cheesesteak is of course the chicken itself. You have a few options here

• Ground chicken: Many home cooks prefer this for its perfect texture and ease of preparation
• Thinly sliced chicken breasts: Also called chicken cutlets, these need to be chopped finely as they cook
• Chicken thighs: Some prefer these for their juicier, more flavorful meat

The chicken is typically seasoned with a simple but effective blend of spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sometimes oregano or paprika.

The Roll

Don’t underestimate the importance of the roll! In Philadelphia, they take their sandwich bread very seriously. The ideal roll should be

• Long and chewy (similar shape to a sub roll)
• Slightly crusty on the outside
• Soft but sturdy enough on the inside to hold up to the filling
• Not too fluffy or it will fall apart

As one Philly local explains: “Here in the Philly area, we know what’s up when it comes to sandwich rolls! They’re big and chewy, similar to like a kaiser roll, but longer. We call them steak rolls, but that may be a local thing.”

The Cheese

This is where personal preference really comes into play. The most popular cheese options include:

• Cooper sharp American cheese: A favorite among many Philly locals
• Regular white American cheese: Melts beautifully for that creamy texture
• Provolone: Offers a slightly sharper, more distinct flavor
• Cheese Wiz: The iconic processed cheese sauce that’s particularly popular in South Philly
• Mozzarella: Less traditional but works well for its melting properties

The Toppings

While a classic chicken cheesesteak can be enjoyed with just the chicken and cheese, many people love to add:

• Onions: Sweet varieties like Vidalia or Maui are popular and typically sautéed until soft
• Bell peppers: Add color, crunch and sweetness
• Mushrooms: Provide an earthy flavor that complements the chicken
• Hot peppers: For those who like some heat
• Ketchup: A popular condiment addition in Philly

How to Make a Chicken Cheesesteak at Home

Making your own chicken cheesesteak at home is surprisingly easy and takes just about 15 minutes! Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Prep your ingredients: Have your ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken ready, along with chopped onions and seasonings.

2. Cook the chicken and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onions, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Break up any clumps of meat and cook until the onions are soft and the chicken is no longer pink.

3. Add the cheese: Place slices of your preferred cheese on top of the chicken mixture and allow it to melt down.

4. Create a sauce: Drizzle in a little half and half, milk, or cream to create a saucier consistency that brings everything together.

5. Prepare the rolls: Split your rolls and line them with a slice of cheese (this clever trick helps prevent the roll from getting soggy).

6. Assemble: Scoop the chicken and cheese mixture onto your prepared rolls.

7. Optional finishing touch: For extra melty goodness, wrap the sandwiches loosely in foil and warm them in a 170-degree oven.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cheesesteak

I’ve made countless chicken cheesesteaks over the years, and I’ve picked up some handy tips along the way:

• Don’t skimp on the bread quality: A good roll makes all the difference between an okay sandwich and an amazing one.

• Try ground chicken: If you’re making these at home, ground chicken gives you the perfect texture without having to worry about slicing chicken paper-thin.

• Create a cheese barrier: Line your roll with a slice of cheese before adding the hot filling to prevent sogginess.

• Keep it warm: Wrapping the finished sandwich in foil keeps everything warm and helps the flavors meld together.

• Don’t overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too much can make the sandwich unwieldy and cause the roll to fall apart.

FAQs About Chicken Cheesesteaks

Is a chicken cheesesteak healthier than a regular beef cheesesteak?

Generally, yes! Chicken typically has less fat and fewer calories than ribeye steak. But remember, the overall healthiness depends on all ingredients – especially the amount of cheese and oil used in cooking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

There’s no single “best” cheese – it really comes down to personal preference. Cooper sharp American is a favorite among many Philly locals, but provolone, regular American, or even cheese Wiz all have their devoted fans.

How do I prevent my roll from getting soggy?

Try these tricks: 1) Line the roll with a slice of cheese before adding the filling, 2) toast the inside of the roll slightly, and 3) don’t overfill with too much sauce or oil.

Can I make a chicken cheesesteak with pre-cooked chicken?

While possible, it’s not ideal. Freshly cooked chicken gives you the best flavor and texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked grilled chicken can work – just be sure it’s not too dry.

What sides go well with a chicken cheesesteak?

Traditional sides include:

• French fries
• Potato chips
• Onion rings
• Dill pickle spears
• Cole slaw
• Simple green salad (to balance out the richness)

Variations to Try

One of the great things about chicken cheesesteaks is how versatile they are. Here are some popular variations:

• Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Add buffalo sauce and maybe some blue cheese dressing for a spicy kick.

• Pizza Chicken Cheesesteak: Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired flavor.

• Mediterranean Style: Add roasted red peppers, spinach, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

• Southwestern: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and maybe some avocado.

Final Thoughts

At my house, we make these at least twice a month – they’re fast, delicious, and everyone loves them. The best part is that you can customize them to suit your family’s tastes, making them as simple or as loaded as you like.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, why not try a homemade chicken cheesesteak? It might just become your new go-to meal!

Have you ever tried making or eating a chicken cheesesteak? What’s your favorite way to enjoy one? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!