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.

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.

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.

Following a low-carb lifestyle may lead to numerous health benefits in addition to weight loss, like possibly reducing inflammation and brain fog and improving blood sugar levels. If you want to read more about the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle, click on my post Five Benefits of a Low-Carb or Keto Diet.

Healthline has a great article that details all of the benefits of a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

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.

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.

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.

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?!

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.

MORE LOW-CARB CHICKEN RECIPES:

If you love our simple chicken Philly cheesesteak, you will enjoy checking out my family’s favorite recipes in my Keto Recipes Index.  With tons of delicious sweet and savory options perfect for the keto diet, you will love this tool. I’ve shared a few more favorites below for a quick start to your menu!

• Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli
• Cheesy Mexican Skillet
• Keto Chicken Fajitas
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Zucchini Boats