If you love the classic Philly sandwich but want a lighter, just-as-delicious twist, this Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with tender, spiced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions caramelized to perfection, and gooey melted provolone, this sandwich brings comfort and flavor together in one standout bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat, these sandwiches deliver mouthwatering satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simplicity, with fresh, wholesome ingredients that each add something important to the table—be it flavor, texture, or color. Gathering these essentials sets up the perfect foundation for the deliciousness to come.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and easy layering in the sandwich.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided: A healthy, neutral oil that helps achieve a beautiful sear and vibrant sauté.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings a fresh, slightly grassy crunch and green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a sweet, bright contrast to the green peppers.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant kick that boosts flavor in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Imparts an earthy, slightly nutty undertone.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a subtle herbal note.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A tangy addition that deglazes the pan and enriches the veggies.
- 4 hoagie rolls: The sturdy yet soft bread that holds all those delicious fillings perfectly.
- 6 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken and peppers, making the sandwich irresistibly gooey.
How to Make Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by mixing smoked paprika, salt, cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this vibrant spice blend all over your thinly sliced chicken breasts, making sure every piece is well-coated. This is where the flavor foundation is built, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken and cook until each slice turns golden brown and is cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the thinly sliced onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers. Cook these with occasional stirring for about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re tender, soft, and slightly caramelized. This step brings out the natural sweetness and depth in the veggies.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 to 45 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, splash in the Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. This adds a wonderful tang and rich complexity to the sautéed mixture, perfectly complementing the chicken.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return your cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and let them cook side by side for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows all those flavors to marry and intensify.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat to low, then evenly layer the provolone slices over the chicken and vegetable mix in the skillet. Cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt smoothly, about 1 to 2 minutes. This luscious melted cheese is what takes your Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe over the top.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice open your hoagie rolls and place them on a platter or individual plates. Using a spatula, scoop generous portions of the cheesy chicken and pepper mixture into each roll. Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey, and the filling is piping hot for maximum indulgence.
How to Serve Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A few slices of pickled jalapeños can add a spicy kick if you want to turn up the heat. These little extras can really personalize your sandwich and make each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This hearty sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or even simple kettle-cooked chips. For something lighter, roasted vegetables or a fresh coleslaw bring great balance and complement the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe as open-faced melts with built-in knife and fork enjoyment. You can also cut them into smaller sliders for easy appetizer-style servings at parties. Wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper makes for a portable, picnic-friendly meal that’s as practical as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Philly Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep that fresh, flavorful filling intact without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture separately from the rolls. Place the filling in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your sandwiches.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve moisture and get the cheese melty again. Alternatively, using an oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes works beautifully to warm through without drying out your sandwich.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone provides that classic Philly melt, you can swap in mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar if you want to mix things up. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep the sandwich gooey and delicious.
Is it necessary to use hoagie rolls?
Hoagie rolls are ideal because they’re sturdy enough to hold the flavorful filling, but you can definitely use other sandwich breads like baguettes, ciabatta, or even sturdy sandwich buns if you prefer a different texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free hoagie rolls or buns to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe?
This recipe features mild, smoky spices with just a gentle heat from the black pepper and paprika. If you like it spicier, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce when seasoning the chicken.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken thinly?
For the thinnest slices, it helps to partially freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain to keep the pieces tender and perfect for your sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its blend of simple, fresh ingredients and satisfying layers of flavor and texture, it’s a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home—your taste buds are in for a fantastic treat!
Print
Chicken Philly Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Philly Sandwiches feature tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with a smoky blend of spices, and topped with melted provolone cheese inside a soft hoagie roll. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting sandwich is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
Breads & Cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the thinly sliced chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Sauté the thinly sliced onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers, stirring occasionally until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits to add depth to the flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine well and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Melt Cheese: Lower the heat to low. Layer the provolone cheese slices on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt smoothly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Split the hoagie rolls and lay them open on plates. Divide the cheesy chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the rolls. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred.
- For spicier sandwiches, consider adding sliced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Using thinly sliced chicken ensures faster cooking and tender texture.
- If you want a healthier option, use whole wheat hoagie rolls.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Worcestershire sauce adds umami but can be omitted or replaced with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
