Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Recipe
If you’re searching for a crave-worthy, satisfying meal that brings together crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara, look no further than these Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches. This recipe is a celebration of Italian-American comfort food, layered with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re making lunch for the family or impressing friends at a casual dinner, these sandwiches are guaranteed to hit the spot. Juicy breaded chicken, melty mozzarella, and a toasted roll create a mouthwatering combination that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches starts with a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role in building flavor and crunch. Don’t skip any part—each layer, from the seasoned breadcrumbs to the fresh basil garnish, adds something special to the final sandwich.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into cutlets for even cooking and optimal crispiness in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg stick to the chicken, creating the base for a crunchy coating.
- Eggs: Acts as the “glue” that holds the breadcrumb layer securely to the chicken.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Packed with herbs for extra flavor and a golden crust.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the chicken and the coating.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of heat and depth.
- Garlic powder: Provides a savory edge that makes the breading irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses rich, nutty flavor into the crispy coating.
- Marinara sauce: Warmed and ready for spooning over the chicken, giving a tangy and vibrant touch.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that signature cheesy pull.
- Sandwich rolls or hoagie buns: Soft yet sturdy, perfect for holding all the delicious layers together.
- Olive oil: Ensures a golden, crispy crust when pan-frying the chicken.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): Adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to finish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by halving each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin, even cutlets. If they’re not perfectly uniform, give them a gentle pound with a meat mallet—this ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy. The thinner cutlets mean every bite of your Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches will have that ideal ratio of crisp coating to tender meat.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This classic breading setup is what gives Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches their signature crunch and flavor—don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour (tap off any excess), then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere for maximum crispiness. This triple-layer process is the secret to a golden crust that stands up to the marinara and cheese.
Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until each is golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed for perfectly crispy results.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the cooked chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each piece with a generous spoonful of warm marinara sauce and a slice (or handful) of mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling—this step melds everything together into sandwich heaven.
Step 6: Build the Sandwiches
Toast your sandwich rolls or hoagie buns if you like a little extra crunch. Place a chicken cutlet on each bun, ladle on a touch more marinara, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you’re using it. Serve your Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches piping hot for the ultimate comfort food experience!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of herbal brightness and color. For a restaurant-style finish, try an extra grating of Parmesan over the top of each sandwich just before serving.
Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches pair deliciously with crisp Caesar salad, garlic fries, or a pile of kettle chips. For something lighter, go with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwiches in halves or thirds and serve them on a platter for a party-friendly twist. Slide a sandwich onto a wooden board with small bowls of extra marinara for dipping. Or, tuck a handful of fresh arugula or spinach into each sandwich for a pop of green and a peppery bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, let them cool completely before wrapping each sandwich tightly in foil or storing the chicken cutlets separately in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the breaded and cooked chicken cutlets (without sauce or cheese) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and keep them for up to 2 months. Assemble fresh sandwiches by reheating the cutlets, then adding sauce and cheese before baking.
Reheating
To bring leftover sandwiches back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven (wrapped loosely in foil) for about 15 minutes or until hot and the cheese is melty. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the bread soggy and the chicken less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will stay extra juicy and work beautifully—just flatten them to even thickness and follow the same breading and cooking steps.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
For the crispiest results in your Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, make sure the chicken is cooked in a hot skillet and placed on a wire rack (not directly on a plate) after frying. Toasting the sandwich rolls also helps maintain crunch.
Can I make these sandwiches gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. Many stores carry Italian-style gluten-free breadcrumbs that taste just as good as the originals.
Can I prepare anything ahead of time?
You can bread and cook the chicken cutlets up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake with sauce and cheese just before serving for the freshest Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While mozzarella is classic, provolone or fontina melt wonderfully and add a bit of complexity. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top is always welcome for a salty finish.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and every bite is a reminder of why this classic never goes out of style. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!
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Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe features breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlets topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, served on toasted sandwich rolls. It’s an easy, flavorful Italian-American dish perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Prepare three shallow bowls for a breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet lightly in the flour to coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to thoroughly coat each piece.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each chicken cutlet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add toppings and bake: Spoon warm marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the sandwich rolls if desired. Place each chicken cutlet on the bottom half of a roll. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh basil if using. Top with the other half of the roll and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier sandwich, use toasted garlic buttered rolls instead of plain rolls.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach inside the sandwich for added flavor and texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella slices with shredded mozzarella for easier melting.
- This recipe works well with pre-made marinara sauce or homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
