Looking to upgrade your sandwich game? These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are the answer. Inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak but with a leaner protein and bolder flavors, this recipe delivers juicy shaved chicken, rich cheese sauce, and zesty cherry pepper relish layered inside toasted hoagie rolls. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, these sandwiches check all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and filling.
What sets this version apart is the careful balance of spices, textures, and the indulgent cheese sauce made with beer and a blend of melting cheeses. The chicken is seasoned with a custom spice mix and cooked with onions until perfectly tender. A splash of beer or stock adds moisture and depth, making every bite juicy and bold.
Paired with creamy mayo and tangy pepper relish, the result is a sandwich that’s comforting, crave-worthy, and slightly spicy. And it comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep. Whether served hot off the skillet or made ahead for game day, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Simple Prep – With bold seasonings and a gooey cheese sauce, it tastes gourmet without the fuss.
- Customizable Heat – The chipotle seasoning and cherry pepper relish add adjustable spice.
- Hearty and Filling – Packed with protein, cheese, and bread, it satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
- Game Day Ready – Perfect for feeding a crowd during sports events or gatherings.
- Versatile Leftovers – The chicken filling and cheese sauce can be reused in wraps, nachos, or bowls.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- Beer
- Chicken seasoning blend
- Chipotle steak seasoning
- Shredded melting cheese blend
Chicken
- Olive oil
- White onion
- Shaved chicken breast
- Chicken seasoning blend
- Chicken stock, beer, or water
Sandwiches
- Hoagie rolls
- Mayonnaise
- Cherry pepper relish
Chicken Seasoning Blend
- Chicken seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Garlic salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the roll and serve the chicken and cheese over lettuce or in a bowl.
- Different Proteins: Substitute turkey breast or thinly sliced steak for the chicken.
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack based on your flavor preference.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken mix for added nutrients.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the beer, chicken seasoning blend, and chipotle steak seasoning. Once heated, stir in the shredded cheese blend and cook until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped white onion and sauté until softened. Stir in shaved chicken breast and cook until browned. Season with the chicken seasoning blend.
Step 3: Add Moisture
Pour in chicken stock, beer, or water and stir well. Simmer briefly to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each roll. Pile on the cooked chicken and onions. Drizzle generously with the cheese sauce and top with cherry pepper relish.
Step 5: Serve
Close the sandwiches and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use pre-shaved chicken for quicker prep and even cooking.
- Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent clumping or burning.
- Toast the hoagie rolls lightly for better structure and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
How to Serve
These sandwiches are best served hot, fresh off the skillet. Pair them with:
- Crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato wedges
- A crisp side salad for balance
- Pickles or coleslaw
- Iced tea or a cold beer for a pub-style experience
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken and cheese sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Gently reheat the cheese sauce over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beer to loosen it if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and cheese sauce in advance and store separately. Assemble before serving.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
A melting cheese blend (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella) works best for a smooth, gooey sauce.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but fresh shaved chicken gives better texture and flavor.
4. How spicy is this sandwich?
Moderately spicy due to the chipotle seasoning and pepper relish, but it’s easy to adjust.
5. Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Use gluten-free rolls and check that your beer and seasonings are gluten-free.
6. Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Absolutely—non-alcoholic beer works well in the cheese sauce.
7. What’s the best way to shave chicken breast?
Use a sharp knife to thinly slice partially frozen chicken for easy shaving.
8. Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan mayo for a dairy-free variation.
9. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor—just slice thin after grilling.
10. How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the rolls and layer mayo first to create a moisture barrier.
Conclusion
These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a bold, cheesy, and utterly satisfying twist on a beloved classic. With just the right amount of spice, melt, and crunch, they’re a must-try for sandwich lovers. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep it simple or make it your own—the choice is yours, and the results are always delicious.
PrintChicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic
Looking to upgrade your sandwich game? These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are the answer. Inspired by the iconic Philly cheesesteak but with a leaner protein and bolder flavors, this recipe delivers juicy shaved chicken, rich cheese sauce, and zesty cherry pepper relish layered inside toasted hoagie rolls. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, these sandwiches check all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and filling.
What sets this version apart is the careful balance of spices, textures, and the indulgent cheese sauce made with beer and a blend of melting cheeses. The chicken is seasoned with a custom spice mix and cooked with onions until perfectly tender. A splash of beer or stock adds moisture and depth, making every bite juicy and bold.
Paired with creamy mayo and tangy pepper relish, the result is a sandwich that’s comforting, crave-worthy, and slightly spicy. And it comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep. Whether served hot off the skillet or made ahead for game day, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Flavor, Simple Prep – With bold seasonings and a gooey cheese sauce, it tastes gourmet without the fuss.
Customizable Heat – The chipotle seasoning and cherry pepper relish add adjustable spice.
Hearty and Filling – Packed with protein, cheese, and bread, it satisfies even the hungriest appetites.
Game Day Ready – Perfect for feeding a crowd during sports events or gatherings.
Versatile Leftovers – The chicken filling and cheese sauce can be reused in wraps, nachos, or bowls.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
Beer
Chicken seasoning blend
Chipotle steak seasoning
Shredded melting cheese blend
Chicken
Olive oil
White onion
Shaved chicken breast
Chicken seasoning blend
Chicken stock, beer, or water
Sandwiches
Hoagie rolls
Mayonnaise
Cherry pepper relish
Chicken Seasoning Blend
Chicken seasoning
Kosher salt
Garlic salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the roll and serve the chicken and cheese over lettuce or in a bowl.
Different Proteins: Substitute turkey breast or thinly sliced steak for the chicken.
Cheese Swap: Use provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack based on your flavor preference.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken mix for added nutrients.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the beer, chicken seasoning blend, and chipotle steak seasoning. Once heated, stir in the shredded cheese blend and cook until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped white onion and sauté until softened. Stir in shaved chicken breast and cook until browned. Season with the chicken seasoning blend.
Step 3: Add Moisture
Pour in chicken stock, beer, or water and stir well. Simmer briefly to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast the hoagie rolls. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each roll. Pile on the cooked chicken and onions. Drizzle generously with the cheese sauce and top with cherry pepper relish.
Step 5: Serve
Close the sandwiches and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Use pre-shaved chicken for quicker prep and even cooking.
Stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent clumping or burning.
Toast the hoagie rolls lightly for better structure and texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it tender and juicy.
Adjust seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
How to Serve
These sandwiches are best served hot, fresh off the skillet. Pair them with:
Crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato wedges
A crisp side salad for balance
Pickles or coleslaw
Iced tea or a cold beer for a pub-style experience
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken and cheese sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Gently reheat the cheese sauce over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beer to loosen it if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and cheese sauce in advance and store separately. Assemble before serving.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
A melting cheese blend (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella) works best for a smooth, gooey sauce.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but fresh shaved chicken gives better texture and flavor.
4. How spicy is this sandwich?
Moderately spicy due to the chipotle seasoning and pepper relish, but it’s easy to adjust.
5. Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Use gluten-free rolls and check that your beer and seasonings are gluten-free.
6. Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Absolutely—non-alcoholic beer works well in the cheese sauce.
7. What’s the best way to shave chicken breast?
Use a sharp knife to thinly slice partially frozen chicken for easy shaving.
8. Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and vegan mayo for a dairy-free variation.
9. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor—just slice thin after grilling.
10. How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the rolls and layer mayo first to create a moisture barrier.
Conclusion
These Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches are a bold, cheesy, and utterly satisfying twist on a beloved classic. With just the right amount of spice, melt, and crunch, they’re a must-try for sandwich lovers. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep it simple or make it your own—the choice is yours, and the results are always delicious.
Ingredients
Savory shaved chicken nestled in a warm hoagie roll, smothered in melted cheese and chipotle-seasoned sauce—this twist on the Philly classic is comforting, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting. Perfect for game nights or satisfying dinners.
Instructions
Cheese Sauce
-
8–10 oz beer
-
1 tsp chicken seasoning blend (see below)
-
1 tsp chipotle steak seasoning
-
2 cups shredded melting cheese blend
Chicken
-
2 Tbsp olive oil
-
1 white onion, chopped
-
1½ lb shaved chicken breast
-
1–2 tsp chicken seasoning blend
-
¼ cup chicken stock, beer, or water
Sandwiches
-
4 hoagie rolls, split
-
Mayonnaise
-
Cherry pepper relish
Chicken Seasoning Blend
-
2 tsp chicken seasoning
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
½ tsp garlic salt
-
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Notes
Cheese: Use a melting cheese blend like cheddar–Monterey or provolone for best results.
Heat: Adjust chipotle steak seasoning or cherry pepper relish for milder or spicier flavor.
Make-ahead: Prep chicken and sauce separately and assemble just before serving.
Variations: Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Sauté · Sauce
- Cuisine: American / Philly-inspired