Description
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden chicken cutlet, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all nestled between a toasted Italian-style bun. This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich brings together the classic flavors of chicken parm in a handheld, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or anytime you’re craving a satisfying sandwich, this recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (cut into 4 pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup vegetable oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 sub rolls or Italian sandwich buns, toasted
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting the buns
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Set up a breading station: In separate shallow dishes:
- Place flour in the first dish.
- Beat eggs in the second dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs and grated parmesan in the third dish.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Coat evenly with the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
-
Toast the buns: Spread butter on each half and toast in a skillet until golden brown.
-
Layer the sandwich:
- Place a crispy chicken cutlet on each bun.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Place under the broiler for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).
-
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep crispy.
- Variations:
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara.
- Healthier Option: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Cheese Mix: Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for extra flavor.
- Garlic Bread Sandwich: Use garlic butter to toast the buns for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: lunch
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 1123 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 47g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Protein: 72g