Chicken Cheesesteak and Cheesesteak are priced identically, built identically, and sit right next to each other on our menu — which means the decision between them comes down to exactly one thing: whether you want steak or chicken. Nothing else about the sandwich changes.
That sounds simple, and mostly it is. But “mostly” is doing some work here, since the protein swap does shift the flavor, texture, and nutrition of the sandwich more than a same-build, same-price item usually suggests. Here’s exactly what’s different.
It’s also one of the more common questions we get from first-time customers browsing the cheesesteak section, since both sandwiches sit right next to each other with nearly identical names and descriptions. If you’ve never ordered either, this is the comparison to read before you pick.
Chicken Cheesesteak vs. Cheesesteak at a Glance
| Cheesesteak | Chicken Cheesesteak | |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Griddled beef steak | Grilled chicken |
| Price | $9.75 | $9.75 |
| Base build | Steak, melted cheese, roll | Chicken, melted cheese, roll |
| Toppings | Upon request (mayo, ketchup, fried onions) | Upon request (mayo, ketchup, fried onions) |
| Closest to the original Philly recipe | Yes | No — a modern variation |
| Generally leaner | No | Yes |
| Flavor profile | Richer, more savory | Milder, slightly sweeter |
The Build Is Genuinely Identical
This isn’t a case where “chicken version” quietly means fewer toppings or a smaller portion. Both start from the same roll, get the same melted cheese, and take the same optional add-ons — mayo, ketchup, or fried onions — if you ask for them.
The only thing that changes is what’s griddled underneath the cheese. If you’ve had one and are curious about the other, you already know what you’re getting structurally — the only real unknown is how the protein swap changes the eating experience.
What the Protein Swap Actually Changes
Beef and chicken behave differently on the griddle, and that shows up in the sandwich. Griddled steak renders some of its own fat as it cooks, which is part of what gives a classic cheesesteak its richer, more savory character and slightly looser texture once it’s mixed with melted cheese.
Grilled chicken is leaner and holds its shape more, so a Chicken Cheesesteak tends to eat a little firmer and milder — closer to a grilled chicken sandwich with cheesesteak toppings than a true substitute for the beef version. Neither is “better” built; they’re just genuinely different eating experiences wearing the same format.
Which One Is Leaner?
If you’re choosing based on nutrition, chicken is the lighter protein by a meaningful margin. Chicken breast runs noticeably lower in calories and saturated fat than beef steak by weight, while still delivering a comparable amount of protein — which is exactly why grilled chicken shows up so often as the “lighter” swap on menus generally, not just here.
Beef isn’t without its own nutritional case, though. It’s typically richer in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 than chicken, nutrients that matter more if you’re not getting them from a wide variety of other foods. Stephanie Kay Nutrition’s breakdown of beef vs. chicken covers the fuller nutritional picture if you want the numbers behind it, and the USDA’s FoodData Central database is the underlying source those kinds of comparisons are built from.
Practically: if you’re watching calories or saturated fat specifically, Chicken Cheesesteak is the better pick. If you want the broader mineral profile that comes with red meat, the classic Cheesesteak has the edge.
Is a Chicken Cheesesteak “Authentic”?
Not in the traditional sense, and that’s worth saying plainly rather than dancing around it. The original Philly cheesesteak — the one that started as a hot dog cart experiment in South Philadelphia — was built on beef from day one. Chicken versions are a newer, widely adopted variation, not the historical recipe.
That doesn’t make it a lesser sandwich, just a different lineage. If the history itself is what you’re curious about, our history of the Philly cheesesteak covers how the original sandwich actually came together.
Chicken cheesesteaks became common as menus expanded to cover more dietary preferences and lighter-protein demand grew — practical reasons, not a reinvention of the original idea. Most Philly-style sandwich shops that serve one today, ours included, treat it as a genuine alternative rather than a replacement for the beef version, which is exactly why both stay on the menu side by side instead of one crowding out the other.
If You Want the Chicken Version With More Heat or Sauce
Plain Chicken Cheesesteak isn’t the only chicken option on our cheesesteak menu. If you like the leaner protein but want more flavor built in, our Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak adds mild buffalo sauce and blue cheese for real heat, while our BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak goes sweeter and smokier instead.
Both start from the same chicken base as the plain version — the sauce is the only variable — so if plain Chicken Cheesesteak sounds a little quiet for what you’re craving, one of those two is the natural next step up rather than switching back to beef.
Ordering Both for a Group
If you’re ordering for more than one person, splitting the order between both versions is a genuinely easy way to cover different preferences without anyone compromising — since the price is identical, there’s no budget reason to default to one over the other.
Both also come as part of a combo: our Cheesesteak, French Fries & Can of Soda combo works with either protein, and the 2 Cheesesteaks, 2 French Fries & 2 Cans of Soda deal is built specifically for two people who don’t want to order the exact same thing. If you’re planning a larger order, our guide to ordering for a group covers the same kind of mix-and-match thinking for pizza and Mexican food.
Which One Should You Order?
- Want the classic, traditional Philly flavor? Go with the Cheesesteak.
- Want a leaner sandwich without losing the format? Go with the Chicken Cheesesteak.
- Craving something richer and more savory? Beef is the better fit.
- Want the same lean protein with real heat or sauce? Try Buffalo Chicken or BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak instead of the plain chicken version.
- Genuinely can’t decide? They’re priced identically, so ordering one of each between two people costs the same as picking one size up on either alone.
Both are part of a much bigger lineup — if you’re weighing either against our Buffalo, BBQ, Mushroom, or Pizza Steak options, our complete cheesesteak guide breaks down all ten side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Chicken Cheesesteak cheaper than regular Cheesesteak?
- No — both are priced the same at $9.75. The only difference is the protein.
- Which is healthier, chicken or beef cheesesteak?
- Chicken Cheesesteak is generally lower in calories and saturated fat. The classic beef Cheesesteak is typically higher in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
- Is a chicken cheesesteak traditional?
- No. The original Philly cheesesteak was built on beef. Chicken versions are a popular modern variation, not the historical recipe.
- Do both sandwiches come with the same toppings?
- Yes — mayo, ketchup, and fried onions are available upon request on both the Cheesesteak and the Chicken Cheesesteak.
- What if I want the chicken version with more flavor?
- Try the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak for heat or the BBQ Chicken Cheese Steak for a sweeter, smokier profile — both use the same chicken base as the plain version.
- Which one tastes richer?
- The beef Cheesesteak. Griddled steak renders more of its own fat as it cooks, giving it a heavier, more savory character than the leaner grilled chicken.
Steak or chicken? Order both and decide for yourself.