Name: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets, 4 in total); 0.5 cup All-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper; 2 pieces Eggs (beaten); 1.5 cups Dried breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup Parmesan (freshly grated); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup Marinara sauce; 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded); 8-10 pieces Fresh basil leaves (chopped); 1 piece Baguette (or 4 Italian style bread or French rolls, sliced in half); 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 1-2 cups Canola or vegetable oil (for frying)

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When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is a classic Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. Growing up, my family often enjoyed Italian-American dishes, and this sandwich was a household favorite. I remember the aroma of frying chicken wafting through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. The crispy coating, the gooey cheese, and the rich marinara sauce all come together to create a dish that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a slice of my childhood memories. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, serving a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, where everyone gathers to savor the deliciousness together.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
600 kcal

Protein:
35 g

Diet:
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Grater, Skillet, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Whisk

Why This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Is a Winner

It’s a Flavor Explosion

There’s something about the combination of flavors in a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich that just works perfectly. The crispy coating on the chicken, enhanced by Italian seasonings, pairs beautifully with the tangy marinara sauce. And let’s not forget the rich, melted mozzarella that adds a creamy texture, making every bite a delight.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the flavorful profile intimidate you! This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a gourmet meal on your table that feels like it’s straight from an Italian restaurant.

Customizable to Your Taste

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can modify it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes! Looking for a lighter version? Try baking the chicken instead of frying it. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner with friends, this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich fits seamlessly into any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table.

Kid-Friendly

If you’re looking for a meal that even the picky eaters will love, this is it! The familiar flavors and fun presentation make it a hit with children and adults alike.

Everything You Need for Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

The magic of a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich lies in its simple yet delightful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy chicken to the zesty marinara, this sandwich is a symphony of deliciousness. Let’s dive into the key players that make this dish a true comfort food classic.

Chicken breasts – The star of the show, these are sliced thin for a quick cook and perfect texture.
All-purpose flour – This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating that crispy coating.
Salt – A must for enhancing flavor in any dish.
Ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice and depth.
Eggs – These act as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
Dried breadcrumbs – The key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings a traditional Italian flair.
Marinara sauce – The perfect topping that adds moisture and tanginess.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, offering that gooey goodness we all crave.
Fresh basil – A fragrant touch that brightens up the dish.
Baguette or rolls – The vessel that holds this delicious filling together.
Olive oil – Used for toasting the bread and frying the chicken.
Canola or vegetable oil – Essential for frying to achieve a golden brown finish.

Preparation Steps for Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Making a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps to create your own masterpiece. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make this dish again and again!

Begin by preparing your dredging stations. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and ground black pepper. This seasoned mixture will give the chicken its first layer of flavor. Mix it well to ensure an even coating.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
In another bowl, mix together the dried breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This aromatic blend will create the perfect coating for the chicken cutlets.
Now it’s time to dredge the chicken! Take each cutlet and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before moving to the next step.
Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to ensure a thick layer adheres. Repeat this process with all the chicken cutlets.
Heat a generous amount of canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken cutlets in the skillet. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
While the chicken is frying, drizzle the baguette with olive oil and toast it under the broiler until it’s golden and crispy, being careful not to burn it.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a wire rack or a sheet pan. Top each cutlet with a generous amount of marinara sauce and a handful of mozzarella cheese.
Place the sheet pan under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
While the cheese is melting, finely chop the basil leaves and set them aside for garnish.
Assemble your sandwich by placing the cheesy chicken cutlet on the toasted bread. Top with fresh basil before placing the other half of the baguette on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Adjusting Cooking Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can test this by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
Choosing the Right Chicken: Chicken breasts work best for this dish, but if you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs. Just remember that thighs may take a little longer to cook.
Breadcrumb Variety: For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They will give your chicken a fantastic texture.
Cooling the Chicken: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps it crispy by allowing air to circulate around it.

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of making a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is how customizable it is! You can easily switch up ingredients or add extras to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to get creative with your sandwich:

Explore Different Cheeses: Besides mozzarella, consider adding provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle spicy sauce on top.
Vegetable Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even arugula can make great toppings for your sandwich.
Try Different Sauces: Experiment with pesto or other sauces instead of marinara for a new twist.
Grilled Chicken: For a lighter option, consider grilling the chicken instead of frying it for a smoky flavor.
Bread Variations: Switch up the bread type! Ciabatta or focaccia can add a delicious twist to your sandwich.
Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken cutlets and freeze them for quick sandwiches on busy nights. Just reheat and assemble!

What Complements This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Completing your Chicken Parmesan Sandwich experience is all about selecting the perfect sides. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and tangy dressing make a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich.
Garlic Bread: Always a hit! Serve some warm garlic bread on the side for that extra indulgence.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can add a delightful crunch and heartiness.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a healthy side to balance the richness of the sandwich.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a nice crunchy texture and complement the flavors.
Wine Pairing: Pair your meal with a glass of sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing lift.
Picnic Style: Perfect for outdoor gatherings; serve your sandwiches with chips and fresh fruit for a laid-back meal.

FAQ

Yes, you can prepare the components of the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich ahead of time. You can bread the chicken cutlets and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. The marinara sauce can also be made a day in advance and reheated when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches. Just remember to toast the bread just before serving for that perfect crunch!

There are plenty of great sides that pair wonderfully with a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. A classic Caesar salad or some garlic bread can enhance your meal. For a lighter option, consider a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the sandwich and make for a well-rounded meal.

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven to maintain crispness, or you can use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just be aware that the bread may lose some of its crunch.

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even eggplant for a vegetarian option. The cooking times might vary slightly depending on the protein you choose, so make sure to adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

Conclusion

The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is truly a standout dish that combines the best of crispy chicken, rich cheese, and flavorful sauce. I encourage you to try making it yourself; it’s a recipe that can easily become a family favorite. The joy of sinking your teeth into a delicious sandwich, filled with layers of flavor, is something you won’t want to miss out on. Enjoy your cooking adventure!