
Sink your fork into this cozy skillet packed with cheesy chicken, peppers, and onions. It takes all the big Philly sandwich flavors and puts them right in one pan. No bread required. It's a tasty way to sneak in extra veggies and make dinner feel a little more fun.
Some nights, I just want those old-school sandwich vibes—fast. This skillet always hits the spot. That bubbly layer of cheese on top? My family can't get enough.
Tasty Ingredients
- Provolone cheese: Shred it for max meltiness, creamy works best
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Adds real flavor to every bite, go for flaky salt and crack the pepper fresh if you can
- Smoked paprika: Packs a gentle smoky punch, choose good quality for the best taste
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby kick, so make sure it smells fresh
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Main protein, pick ones that look plump and pale pink, ditch any with too much liquid
- Green bell pepper: Gives a crisp bite and bold flavor, pick firm ones with shiny skin
- Red bell pepper: Pops in color and taste, it should be smooth with no marks
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a little depth, grab one that's solid and heavy
- Olive oil: For cooking it all, extra virgin gives the best flavor
How to Make It
- Melt the Cheese:
- Drop the heat low. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid for a couple of minutes so the cheese gets nice and gooey. Pull off the heat once it's all melted and serve right away.
- Combine Everything and Add Cheese:
- Bring those soft veggies plus any juices back to the pan. Mix well so everything gets cozy. Flatten it out, then toss cheese right on top for a melty crown.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken:
- Stir the chicken pieces around and give them 4 to 5 more minutes. Once they're no longer pink and a thermometer hits 165F, they're good to go.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Add the rest of the olive oil and keep the heat up. Scatter chicken in the pan, top with seasonings, then leave it alone for a couple minutes so a golden crust forms.
- Prep and Sauté the Vegetables:
- Spin olive oil around your skillet on medium high until shimmery. Drop in onions and both bell peppers, then shake in some salt and pepper. Let 'em get soft and caramelized in about 7 to 8 minutes. Dish out the veggies and any pan juices for later.

Honestly, smoked paprika makes the whole dish. That simple sprinkle levels up the chicken and peppers, landing those craveable takeout vibes. We eat this straight from the pan on movie nights—nobody ever leaves cheese behind.
Leftover Storage
Stash cold chicken skillet in a sealed container and pop it in your fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet on low and splash in a bit of water. That brings back the gooey cheese and keeps the chicken moist.
Swap It Up
No provolone? Go with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or mozzarella for a new cheesy spin. Want even more flavor? Add mushrooms to the pepper crew. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are juicy and totally work here too.

Fun Ways to Eat
Scoop that cheesy chicken and veggies over toasted buns for a true Philly vibe you can eat with a fork. Or skip the bread and pile onto brown rice, white rice, or a baked potato instead. Garlic bread and fresh salads make it a real meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Totally! Chicken thighs without the bone and skin come out extra juicy. Cut them up thin and cook them just like you would the breasts.
- → What other cheeses would be good?
Provolone melts super well, but you can switch things up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you want something different.
- → What's a good way to eat this meal?
Spoon the mix right out of the pan, stuff it into toasted subs, dish it over rice, or pair it with some garlic bread.
- → How can I make it easier to slice the chicken?!
Pop the chicken into your freezer for 15 or 20 minutes. It'll firm up just enough so you can cut nice even strips.
- → How many days do leftovers stay good and how do I warm them up?
Stash leftovers in your fridge for three days easy. Heat them up again on the stove with a splash of water so nothing dries out.
- → Any tips for bringing out more flavor?
Toss in a handful of mushrooms or garlic, shake in extra smoked paprika, or top with chopped fresh parsley when you're done to add a punch of flavor.