Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich takes everything you love about the classic Italian-American dish—crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese—and packs it into a hearty sandwich. Served on toasted rolls or hoagie buns, this satisfying meal is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day. It’s crunchy, cheesy, saucy comfort food you can hold in your hands.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breastsalt and pepperall-purpose flourlarge eggsItalian-style breadcrumbsgrated Parmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesefresh basil (optional)marinara sauceolive oilsub rolls, hoagie rolls, or ciabatta bunsbutter (optional, for toasting)
directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle generously with mozzarella.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the chicken bakes, toast the rolls with a bit of butter, if desired.
Assemble each sandwich by placing the cheesy chicken on the toasted rolls. Add extra marinara or basil if you like.
Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 sandwiches.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheese pull.
Add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for a veggie boost.
Swap in crispy eggplant for a vegetarian version.
Serve open-faced on garlic bread for a fork-and-knife option.
storage/reheating
Store leftover components separately: chicken and sauce in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
Assemble sandwiches just before serving for best texture.
Avoid microwaving assembled sandwiches to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, a good quality jarred sauce works great and saves time.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry the chicken?
Yes, bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Sub rolls, hoagie buns, ciabatta, or even brioche buns work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bread and cook the chicken in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid adding sauce too early—add just before baking to keep the coating crisp.
Can I freeze cooked chicken cutlets?
Yes, freeze without sauce and reheat in the oven when ready to use.
Is it spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add crushed red pepper to the sauce if desired.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy.
How can I make this healthier?
Bake the chicken and use whole wheat rolls and light mozzarella.
Can I serve this as sliders?
Yes, use smaller chicken pieces and slider buns for party-sized portions.
Conclusion
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a satisfying fusion of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara tucked inside a toasted roll. It’s indulgent, easy to prepare, and always hits the spot—whether you’re cooking for the family or feeding a crowd.
PrintChicken Parmesan Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a hearty and satisfying sandwich featuring crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a toasted bun. It’s a portable version of the classic Italian-American dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting buns)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 cutlets. Pound to even thickness if needed.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet, top each piece with marinara sauce and a slice of mozzarella.
- Broil or bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Optional: butter and toast the sandwich buns in a skillet or oven until golden.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing a piece of chicken on each bun and topping with basil if using. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone for a different flavor.
- Great for meal prep—chicken cutlets can be cooked ahead of time and reheated.