Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Crispy breaded chicken cutlets are smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, and served on a toasted hero roll. An iconic Italian-American comfort food classic that's hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Breading Station (5 minutes)
- b.Set up three shallow dishes for a breading assembly line.
- c.In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- d.In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a splash of water until smooth.
- e.In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bread the Chicken (5 minutes)
- b.Working with one chicken cutlet at a time, first dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides, then shake off any excess.
- c.Next, dip the floured cutlet into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on both sides. Set aside on a clean plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Chicken (10 minutes)
- b.Pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb sizzles immediately when dropped in.
- c.Carefully place two breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- e.Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain. This keeps the bottom crispy. Repeat with the remaining two cutlets.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches (3 minutes)
- b.Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat the broiler to high.
- c.Place the split hoagie rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush the cut sides with the melted butter.
- d.Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the rolls are lightly toasted and golden at the edges.
- e.Place one fried chicken cutlet on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
- f.Spoon about 1/2 cup of warm marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet.
- g.Top each cutlet generously with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Melt Cheese and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Return the baking sheet with the open-faced sandwiches to the oven.
- c.Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots. Watch it like a hawk as broilers work very quickly.
- d.Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- e.Place the top half of the roll on each sandwich and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- 2Ensure your chicken cutlets are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- 3Don't skip toasting the rolls. It adds flavor and creates a barrier to prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy.
- 4Use a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 5Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from steaming and becoming soggy.
- 6Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it's too cool, the breading will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan SandwichVegetarian Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
Substitute the chicken with 1/2-inch thick slices of eggplant. Salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry and follow the same breading and frying procedure.
Cheese Lover's VersionCheese Lover's Version
Add a slice of provolone cheese on top of the chicken before adding the mozzarella for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Healthier Baked VersionHealthier Baked Version
Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken and cheese provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and improved heart health.
Provides Calcium
The generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese contribute to your daily calcium intake, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A homemade Chicken Parmesan Sandwich can range from 850 to 1100 calories, depending on the size of the roll, the amount of cheese, and whether the chicken is fried or baked. This recipe is estimated to be around 950 calories per sandwich.