Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Low Carb and Delicious
Are you craving a meal that is both satisfying and delicious? Then try this amazing recipe for Low-Carb chicken Philly Cheesesteak. The classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich dates back to the 1930s in Philadelphia and features thinly sliced beef, peppers & onions, and melted cheese. This recipe swaps out the beef for chicken and uses low-carb options for the bun (or no bun at all). My healthy and tasty version of the classic sandwich is easy to make and great for meal prep.
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What is a Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
It is a mouthwatering sandwich with the perfect flavors blend of quality ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken breast, onions, bell peppers, and provolone cheese. What makes the best chicken Philly cheesesteak? Cooking it just right. Each step, from searing the chicken to sautéing the veggies, creates the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
For more easy low-carb chicken dinners, browse my full collection of chicken recipes.
If you prefer a more traditional beef cheesesteak, check out my Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a sliced rib-eye steak.
How to make Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Low-Carb?
The carbs have to be drastically reduced to make the chicken Philly sandwich low-carb. This is done mostly by removing or replacing the traditional hoagie roll with a low-carb option.
A low-carb chicken Philly cheesesteak can provide a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is low in carbohydrates and calories.
Ingredients for Chicken Cheesesteak without a bun
- Boneless Skinless Chicken – This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could sub chicken thighs instead.
- Green Bell Peppers – Add a slightly sweet and crisp texture to the recipe. You can also add yellow and red bell peppers.
- White Onions – Adds sweet and savory flavor and a soft texture to compliment the crisp green peppers.
- Garlic – Adds bold flavor.
- Provolone Cheese – Gives it a perfectly mild and slightly nutty flavor and a creamy, indulgent texture.
- Butter – Healthy fat that adds richness.
- Italian Seasoning, Parsley, and Salt & Pepper – complement the other flavors in the recipe and enhances the overall taste.
Steps to make Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Step 1: Step 1: In a hot cast-iron skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter and add green bell peppers, white onions, and garlic. Sauté until the onions and peppers are translucent, then remove veggies from the skillet and set aside.
Tip: Make sure to preheat your cast-iron skillet before using it. You’ll get better heat distribution, preventing sticking and enhancing browning, which adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
**This 2-pan preseasoned set with a 10-inch and 12-inch skillet is a fantastic and affordable addition to your kitchen.
Step 2: Melt the remaining butter in the cast iron skillet, then add chicken, Italian seasoning, and salt/pepper. Allow to sear on each side, then cover and cook on medium-low until the chicken is cooked through.
I use this meat thermometer to test doneness; otherwise, I overcook chicken every single time. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Once the chicken is done, add the peppers, onions, and garlic back to the skillet. Cook on low for 2 minutes to disperse the heat and allow the flavors to merge.
Step 4: Place provolone cheese slices on top of the chicken and veggie mixture to cover, and then place the skillet in the oven on broil until the cheese is melted thoroughly.
Heads up – keep a close eye on your dish as it broils because it can burn fast!
Do you know what’s so good about this dish? When you take it out of the oven, it’s piping hot and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Preparing Chicken for Philly Cheesesteak
Picking the right chicken is important to creating a tasty and juicy dish. Choose high-quality chicken breasts that aren’t too lean or fatty. Too lean and the chicken will dry out and be super tough, while too fatty will produce too much grease in your dish. Also, properly season your chicken to ensure a great flavor.
To get the maximum flavor, it’s essential to thinly slice the chicken against the grain to make sure it’s tender. It’s easiest to do this if the chicken is partially frozen, so you may want to put it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Once partially frozen, use a sharp knife to slice the chicken into roughly 1/4-inch thick strips.
Can I Cook My Chicken a Different Method besides Pan Searing?
Sure, there are many other different options. If you use one of the cooking methods listed below, you’ll add your cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauteed vegetables.
- Grilling: Grill chicken breasts over medium-high heat until cooked and juicy.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F, place chicken breasts in a baking dish, season, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Slow cooking: Place seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours until cooked and tender. Shred the cooked chicken into chunks before adding to the skillet. You don’t want to shred it too finely.
- Sous vide: Season chicken breasts, vacuum seal them in a bag, and cook in a sous vide water bath at 145°F for 1-2 hours until cooked.
- Rottissiere – In a pinch for time? Grab a rotisserie chicken at your grocery store.
WHAT KIND OF SAUCE IS GOOD ON A PHILLY CHEESESTEAK?
If you want to increase the flavor, here are low-carb sauce options that will satisfy your craving. Just remember that any sauce you choose may add to the carb count.
- Mayo-based sauces like low-carb aioli or chipotle mayo
- Hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot or Tabasco
- Creamy sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Sugar-free BBQ sauce – this homemade recipe is the BEST EVER!!
- A melted cheese sauce for a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor
Can I use frozen chicken for the Philly cheesesteak?
I would not suggest using chicken straight from the freezer as it won’t cook evenly, and the texture will be off. It’s hard to get a good sear on chicken when frozen in a skillet.
How many calories and net carbs?
Each serving of this recipe contains 325 calories, 36 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of fiber. The net carbs per serving is 3 grams when the recipe is divided by 5.
Chicken Philly Casserole vs. Other Chicken Dinners
Chicken Philly casserole is baked dish so the chicken, peppers, onions, and cheese come together into a super hearty, layered dish. Most skillet meals cook quickly over high heat but casseroles develop deeper flavors more gradually in the oven.
Compared to chicken fajitas, which keep vegetables slightly crisp, this casserole has a softer texture and more evenly distributed flavor in each bite. Cream-based skillet dishes like a Tuscan chicken focus more on a sauce, while casseroles emphasize baked texture and melted cheese.
If you need a make-ahead dinner that reheats well, casseroles are often my favorite choice.
Tips & FAQs
- For the best texture, slice the chicken against the grain. This will ensure the chicken is tender, juicy, and easy to chew.
- Slice vegetables into thin, similar-sized strips for great texture and even cooking.
- Allow the cheesesteak to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the cheese finish melting and the flavors to come together.
- Toasting the bread can add crunch and enhance the texture of the sandwich. (If you choose a low-carb bread option)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. For the freshest experience, cook the ingredients and store the chicken and veggies in separate airtight containers. Reheat ingredients together in a large skillet and top with cheese.
Can I substitute chicken with another type of meat?
Of course. You could use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Of course, there is always the traditional beef or steak, pork, lamb, or tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
Low Carb Bread options for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
- Lettuce wraps: Swap out the bread entirely and use large lettuce leaves.
- Low-carb tortillas: Look for low-carb tortillas or tortillas made from coconut or almond flour.
- Portobello mushrooms: Roast large portobello mushroom caps instead of hoagie buns for a unique twist.
- Low-carb bread: If you can’t live without bread, look for low-carb bread.
Variations to Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Swap out the traditional veggies or add more veggies to the recipe. Here are a few ideas.
- Mushrooms: For an earthy and flavorful twist.
- Jalapeños: For a bit of heat.
- Zucchini: Add to your peppers and onions for a nutritious and delicious addition.
- Broccoli: Add some extra crunch and nutrients.
- Spinach: For some added greens and flavor.
Don’t be afraid to try different seasonings; here are a few ideas.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic powder: Add some garlic powder while cooking for more garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: Add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to your dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Turn up the heat by adding red pepper flakes to the chicken and veggies.
The Best Cheese for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak is the classic provolone. But, you swap out different varieties to change up the flavor.
- Swiss: This cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that goes well with chicken and veggies.
- Pepper Jack: It has a spicy kick from the spicy peppers mixed in with the cheese.
- Mozzarella: This cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cheddar: For a sharp flavor that can add a bold punch.
- White American: White American cheese has a mild, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor.
If you enjoy creamy one-pan chicken meals, my Creamy Tuscan Chicken is another easy dinner option with a completely different flavor profile.
Best Sides for Healthy Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Easy Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe – Perfectly roasted and topped with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Best Southern Green Beans Recipe – Minimal ingredients and lots of unique flavors.
Garlic Mushrooms in the Air Fryer – Crispy air-fried mushrooms that everyone will love.
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon – Everything is better with bacon, right?!
Healthy Kale Crunch Salad Recipe – A refreshing salad loaded with nutrients and fresh ingredients!
How to store and reheat leftovers
Refrigerator: To store in the fridge, make sure it cools to room temperature first. Then place it in an airtight container or aluminum foil. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place it in a freezer-safe container once it cools to room temperature. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven or Air Fryer: Remove from the freezer and sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then wrap it in aluminum foil. Preheat the oven or air-fryer to 350°F. Bake or air-fry until heated all the way through. You’ll need to watch it, as cooking times will vary depending on how much you are warming up.
- Stovetop: Heat the cheesesteak over low heat until it is ready. Stir occasionally so that it cooks evenly.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. I start at 1 minute, then check and microwave again if needed.
Recipe Tips From My Kitchen
For the best texture, cook the chicken and vegetables before baking so the casserole does not release too much moisture in the oven. This prevents the cheese from becoming watery.
If you want more browning, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes and watch closely. This is how my family loves to eat this dish.
This casserole reheats well. This makes it great for meal prep during busy weeks.
MORE LOW-CARB CHICKEN RECIPES:
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli
- Cheesy Mexican Skillet
- Keto Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Boats
Chicken Philly Cheesesteak (Low-Carb Version)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips against the grain
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 7 slices provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- First, heat a cast iron skillet and melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped peppers, onions, and garlic, and sauté them until they become translucent. Once done, remove the veggies from the skillet and put them aside.
- Next, melt two more tablespoons of butter in the same skillet, and add the chicken along with some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to sear on both sides and then cover the skillet and let it cook on medium-low heat until the chicken is fully cooked. You can check if the chicken is cooked by using a meat thermometer.
- Once the chicken is done, add the peppers, onions, and garlic back to the skillet and cook them on low heat for about 2 minutes. Then, add some slices of provolone cheese on top of the chicken and veggies to cover everything, and put the skillet into the oven on broil for 1-3 minutes until the cheese is melted perfectly.
- Finally, take the skillet out of the oven and serve it hot and fresh!
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Notes
- For the best texture, slice the chicken against the grain. This will ensure that the chicken is tender, juicy, and easy to chew.
- Slice vegetables into thin, similar-sized strips for great texture and even cooking.
- Allow the cheesesteak to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the cheese finish melting and the flavors to come together.
- Toasting the bread can add crunch and enhance the texture of the sandwich. (If you choose a low-carb bread option)
Nutrition
I made this tonight. It was simple and very tasty. Thank you!
This is a favorite in our house. Glad you loved it too!
Just made this. Very good!! Hubby loved it on burrito wraps, but I kept it low-carb and just ate it in a bowl. Oh my gosh, absolutely wonderful we’ll definitely make it again.
Glad you enjoyed it! Always nice when a meal can be tweaked for non keto eaters!!