Chicken Parmesan Sub
Crispy breaded chicken cutlets are smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, all nestled in a toasted sub roll. A hearty and satisfying Italian-American classic.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Chicken and Breading Station
- b.If your chicken breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat dry with paper towels.
- c.Set up three shallow dishes for breading. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- d.In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bread the Chicken Cutlets
- b.Working one at a time, dredge a chicken cutlet in the flour, coating both sides and shaking off the 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 all sides.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Chicken
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F / 175°C).
- c.Carefully place two breaded cutlets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- d.Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. This keeps the bottom crispy. Repeat with the remaining two cutlets.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast the Rolls
- b.Preheat your oven's broiler on high with a rack in the middle position.
- c.Slice the sub rolls horizontally, but not all the way through, leaving a hinge.
- d.Place the open rolls on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Bake the Subs
- b.Place one crispy chicken cutlet into each toasted roll.
- c.Spoon about 1/2 cup of warm marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
- d.Top each sub generously with shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Melt the Cheese and Serve
- b.Return the assembled subs to the baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots.
- c.Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs.
- 2Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for quick and even cooking.
- 3Toasting the rolls prevents them from becoming soggy from the marinara sauce.
- 4Shred your own mozzarella from a block of low-moisture cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 5Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, less crispy chicken.
- 6Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep the bottom crust from steaming and getting soft.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Substitute the chicken with thick slices of breaded and fried eggplant to make an Eggplant Parmesan Sub.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Use thin veal cutlets instead of chicken to create a classic Veal Parmesan Sub.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Sauté some sliced bell peppers and onions and add them to the sub along with the chicken for extra flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken and cheese provide a high amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are great sources of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Contains Lycopene
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A homemade Chicken Parmesan Sub of this size can be quite hearty, typically containing around 1100-1200 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used, like the type of roll and amount of cheese.