Cheesesteaks are a classic Philly sandwich made with thinly sliced ribeye steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. While the traditional version is undeniably delicious, some prefer to opt for chicken instead of steak. But is a chicken cheesesteak really better than the original cheesesteak made with ribeye? There are pros and cons to each type of sandwich.
Origins of the Cheesesteak
To understand the debate between chicken and steak cheesesteaks, it helps to know the origins of the classic sandwich. The cheesesteak was invented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1930s. Hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri is often credited with creating the first cheesesteak sandwich. One day, Olivieri decided to throw some sliced ribeye from the butcher onto his grill and the hot meat smelled so good that a taxi driver waiting for a dog asked for one. Olivieri put the steak with onions on an Italian roll and the cheesesteak was born.
Originally, the cheesesteak was made strictly with thinly sliced ribeye steak. Sometime later, Cheez Whiz was added to the sandwich to make it extra decadent. The cheesesteak grew in popularity throughout Philadelphia and became an iconic part of the city’s cuisine. Today, you can find cheesesteak sandwiches at restaurants and food carts all over Philly.
Rise of the Chicken Cheesesteak
When did the chicken cheesesteak first appear on the scene? There are a few theories about the origins of this sandwich variation. Some believe the chicken cheesesteak arose as a lighter alternative for those who wanted to reduce their red meat intake. Others think the sandwich was created as a cheaper budget-friendly version since chicken is less expensive than steak.
There’s also a possibility that the chicken cheesesteak has its roots in the early days of the original. Perhaps vendors experimenting with different toppings subbed chicken into the classic recipe. In any case, the chicken cheesesteak has become nearly as popular as the original steak version today.
Comparing Steak and Chicken
Now let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of ribeye steak versus chicken breast in cheesesteaks.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, ribeye steak has the clear advantage. The rich beefy taste of thinly sliced ribeye is part of what makes the original cheesesteak so mouthwatering and crave-worthy. Ribeye has marbling that keeps the meat tender and juicy with a satisfying savory flavor when cooked.
Chicken breast has a milder flavor in comparison. While it can be seasoned and cooked nicely, chicken just can’t match the hearty meatiness of ribeye steak. The flavors in a chicken cheesesteak are fine, but they likely won’t be as memorable as the original.
Texture
Ribeye steak also wins when it comes to texture. When sliced paper-thin and cooked quickly on a griddle, the ribeye gets a nice char while still staying tender. The meat almost melts in your mouth. Chicken breast tends to dry out more easily and can become chewy or stringy if overcooked.
To get good texture from chicken, it needs to be properly pounded and sliced thinly before going on the grill. So in experienced hands, the chicken can achieve a decent tender, non-chewy texture. But ribeye’s texture is naturally superior.
Nutrition
Here is a nutritional comparison between a typical chicken cheesesteak and a ribeye steak cheesesteak:
| Nutrition Facts | Chicken Cheesesteak | Ribeye Cheesesteak |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 530 | 790 |
| Fat | 23g | 50g |
| Protein | 43g | 47g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 38g |
| Sodium | 870mg | 1360mg |
When it comes to nutrition, chicken is the healthier choice. Chicken breast contains less fat and calories than ribeye steak. You’ll get nearly the same amount of protein from a chicken cheesesteak while consuming fewer carbs, sodium, and saturated fat.
However, the ribeye cheesesteak provides more nutritional benefits like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. But overall, chicken comes out slightly ahead nutritionally speaking.
Cost
Chicken breast costs less per pound than ribeye steak, making chicken cheesesteaks generally more affordable. Here are some average costs:
| Product | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast | $3-4 per pound |
| Ribeye Steak | $15-20+ per pound |
Since the chicken is cheaper, restaurants can sell chicken cheesesteaks for a dollar or two less than their steak versions. For budget-conscious customers, going with chicken instead of ribeye can be easier on your wallet.
Popularity and Availability
Cheesesteaks made with ribeye steak remain much more popular and widely available than chicken versions. If you walk into almost any sandwich shop or restaurant in Philadelphia and order a “cheesesteak”, you’ll receive one made with sliced ribeye by default.
You’ll usually have to specifically request a “chicken cheesesteak” to get one made with chicken breast instead. The ribeye steak classic is still considered the standard cheesesteak you’ll find around Philly.
However, the popularity of chicken cheesesteaks has steadily risen over the years. As more people look to reduce red meat consumption or desire a lower-calorie sandwich, chicken cheesesteaks have become a convenient alternative.
Taste Test Showdown
To get a definitive answer on which cheesesteak tastes best, I decided to do a taste test sampling both types of sandwiches from three popular Philadelphia eateries:
Restaurant #1: Jim’s Steaks
Jim’s Steaks has been serving cheesesteaks since 1939. Here’s how the chicken and ribeye stack up:
Chicken Cheesesteak:
– Chicken is seasoned nicely and goes well with the cheese and fried onions
– Roll is soft and absorbs juices well
– Overall solid flavor but unremarkable
Rating: 7/10
Ribeye Cheesesteak:
– Ribeye is very flavorful, tender and juicy
– Jim’s famous cheese “whiz” takes it up a notch
– Excellent balance of textures and flavors
Rating: 9.5/10
Winner: Ribeye cheesesteak
Restaurant #2: Tony Luke’s
Tony Luke’s uses premium sirloin for their steak sandwiches. Here are my impressions:
Chicken Cheesesteak:
– Chicken is seasoned boldly with lots of black pepper
– Goes great with sharp provolone cheese
– Very satisfying overall
Rating: 8/10
Ribeye Cheesesteak:
– Sirloin cuts are tender and pack tons of juicy steak flavor
– Peppers and onions are perfectly caramelized
– So delicious I want to eat another one immediately
Rating: 9.7/10
Winner: Ribeye cheesesteak
Restaurant #3: Sonny’s Famous Steaks
Sonny’s is renowned for their gigantic cheesesteaks piled high with meat and toppings. Here’s the breakdown:
Chicken Cheesesteak:
– Generous portion of chicken makes for a very filling sandwich
– Cheese and fried onions nicely complement the chicken
– Solid sandwich but chicken lacks strong flavor
Rating: 7.5/10
Ribeye Cheesesteak:
– Huge slices of ribeye with tremendous beefy flavor
– Perfectly melted cheese and sautéed onions
– Lives up to its “Famous Steaks” name
Rating: 9.5/10
Winner: Ribeye cheesesteak
Conclusion
So which cheesesteak is better after comparing chicken vs ribeye in all categories? The ribeye steak cheesesteak wins hands down. While chicken cheesesteaks can be tasty in their own right, they simply can’t compete with the iconic original:
– Ribeye has bolder, richer flavor that you can’t replicate with chicken
– The tender, juicy texture of ribeye seared on a griddle is unbeatable
– Cheesesteaks were invented with ribeye steak, making it the standard
– In taste tests, ribeye was rated higher than chicken every time
The ribeye cheesesteak reigns supreme overall. Chicken works nicely as a lighter alternative. But if you want the real, authentic cheesesteak experience in Philadelphia, accept no substitutes – it must be made with thin slices of ribeye steak.
The original flavor and texture of ribeye is part of what makes Philly cheesesteaks so craveable. While chicken cheesesteaks are fine in their own regard, they simply can’t stand up to a classic cheesesteak made right with premium ribeye steak.
So next time you’re debating between chicken or steak at your favorite cheesesteak joint, remember this comparison. Opt for the ribeye, and your tastebuds will thank you with each mouthwatering bite!