Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
There’s something irresistible about a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. It combines the crispy, breaded chicken cutlet, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a toasted bun into a perfect, handheld delight. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich satisfies cravings for comfort food in a big way.
In this article, we’ll explore every step of creating this dish in rich detail. From selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the crispy chicken cutlets and creating a satisfying sandwich experience, this recipe will guide you to culinary success. By the end, you’ll have a sandwich that’s crunchy, cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s talk about each ingredient in detail. The quality and selection of the ingredients play a massive role in delivering the best possible Chicken Parmesan Sandwich.
For the Chicken Parmesan Cutlet:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: When making chicken parmesan sandwiches, you’ll want to slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to fit perfectly inside the sandwich without being too thick.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Flour provides the first layer of the breading, which helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. It’s essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs act as a binding agent between the flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring the coating adheres to the chicken cutlet.
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: The seasoned breadcrumbs give the chicken its flavorful, crispy coating. Italian seasoning adds herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, enhancing the overall taste.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Mixing parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs gives the chicken a rich, cheesy flavor that’s crucial to a good Chicken Parmesan Sandwich.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning the chicken ensures it has flavor at every stage. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural taste of the chicken and enhancing the breadcrumb coating.
- Olive oil, for frying: Olive oil is the traditional choice for frying the chicken cutlets, providing a rich flavor while ensuring a crisp texture.
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 sandwich rolls (sub rolls, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls): The bread is just as important as the filling. A sturdy roll like ciabatta or a hoagie roll holds up well against the saucy chicken and melted cheese.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, marinara sauce provides that classic tangy tomato flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and cheese. Opt for a high-quality sauce or make your own from scratch for the best results.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melting mozzarella on top of the chicken cutlet is what gives this sandwich its cheesy, gooey goodness. Mozzarella’s mild flavor and creamy texture complement the bold flavors of the marinara and chicken perfectly.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adding a little extra parmesan cheese helps enhance the cheesiness of the sandwich and complements the flavors of the breaded chicken cutlet.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Fresh basil adds a hint of brightness to the sandwich, cutting through the richness with its fresh, herbal notes. It’s optional but recommended for an authentic Italian touch.
- Butter or garlic butter, for toasting the rolls: Toasting the sandwich rolls with a bit of butter or garlic butter ensures they’re crispy on the outside while soft and warm on the inside.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s break down each step of the recipe. From preparing the chicken to assembling the perfect sandwich, we’ll cover every detail to ensure you achieve a restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan Sandwich at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
The key to a great Chicken Parmesan Sandwich starts with perfectly cooked chicken. You want it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and that starts with properly prepping the chicken.
Butterfly the Chicken Breasts
- To ensure the chicken cutlets are thin enough for sandwiches, you’ll need to butterfly them. Simply place the chicken breast on a cutting board, hold it flat with the palm of your hand, and use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the middle. This will give you two thin pieces from each breast.
Pound the Chicken
- If your cutlets are still too thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. Plus, thinner cutlets are easier to bite into when inside the sandwich.
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
A proper breading station is essential for ensuring a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken cutlets. The key here is to create a multi-layered coating that will fry up golden and crispy.
Three Stations: Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumb Mixture
- In the first shallow dish, add the flour. This is your first layer of breading, which will help the egg and breadcrumb layers adhere to the chicken.
- In the second dish, beat the eggs. The egg wash acts as a glue that holds the breadcrumbs onto the chicken.
- In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese. The parmesan not only adds flavor but also enhances the texture of the breadcrumb coating.
Bread the Chicken Cutlets
- Start by dredging each chicken cutlet in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated and shaking off the excess.
- Then dip the floured cutlet into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Frying the chicken cutlets gives them that irresistible crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread and melted cheese.
Heat the Oil
- Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the chicken quickly without becoming greasy.
Fry the Chicken Cutlets
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
- Remove the fried cutlets and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Toast the Rolls
A good sandwich is only as good as the bread it’s served on. Toasting the rolls adds a layer of texture and ensures they hold up against the saucy, cheesy filling.
Butter the Rolls
- Slice the sandwich rolls in half and lightly butter them. For extra flavor, use garlic butter instead of plain butter.
Toast in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the buttered rolls on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Now that your chicken is fried, and your rolls are toasted, it’s time to assemble the Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
Layer the Marinara Sauce
- Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each toasted roll. This will ensure the sandwich is saucy and flavorful from the first bite.
Add the Chicken Cutlet
- Place one crispy chicken cutlet on top of the marinara sauce on each sandwich.
Top with Cheese
- Spoon a little more marinara sauce on top of the chicken cutlet, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan over the sauce.
Melt the Cheese
- Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve up your Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
Fresh Basil (Optional)
- If you want to add a fresh, herbal note to your sandwiches, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top before serving.
Close and Serve
- Close the sandwiches with the top half of the toasted rolls, and serve them hot.
Serving Suggestions
A Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a side dish can round out the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your sandwich:
- French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic pairing with any sandwich.
- Potato Wedges: These are a thicker, more substantial alternative to fries.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the sandwich.
- Potato Chips: A crunchy side like kettle-cooked chips adds texture without taking too much time to prepare.
Conclusion
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a classic, indulgent comfort food that never fails to satisfy. It combines the best elements of chicken parmesan—crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara, melted mozzarella, and fresh bread—into one easy-to-eat sandwich. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, weekend lunch, or even a casual get-together, this sandwich will always impress.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
There’s something irresistible about a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. It combines the crispy, breaded chicken cutlet, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a toasted bun into a perfect, handheld delight. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich satisfies cravings for comfort food in a big way.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. - Breading the Chicken:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs to adhere well. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Toast the Buns:
While the chicken is baking, brush the hoagie rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder (optional). Toast them in the oven or on a skillet until lightly golden. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Place the cheesy marinara-covered chicken cutlets on the toasted hoagie rolls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. - Serve:
Serve immediately with your choice of side, like fries or a salad.