Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a comforting and flavorful meal that takes the classic chicken parmesan and puts it between two slices of bread, transforming it into a hearty, portable sandwich. The crispy, breaded chicken, the rich marinara sauce, and the melty mozzarella combine perfectly to create a mouthwatering dish that will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, savory, and delicious.

This recipe offers the perfect balance of crunchy and tender textures, along with the classic Italian flavors that make Chicken Parmesan so beloved. By layering the golden, crispy chicken with marinara sauce and cheese, you can enjoy all the elements of the classic dish in sandwich form. Perfect for feeding a crowd or for a simple weeknight dinner, this sandwich is easy to make and absolutely delicious.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, share helpful tips for making the chicken extra crispy, and suggest some fun variations and pairings that will take your sandwich to the next level. Get ready to indulge in one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Comforting and Delicious: The combination of crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese is a flavor-packed delight. This sandwich delivers all the comfort and taste of traditional Chicken Parmesan but in a convenient, handheld form.
• Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients, you can make this sandwich from start to finish in less than an hour. It’s an easy dinner option that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
• Crispy and Tender: The breaded chicken is crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. Paired with gooey melted cheese and a rich marinara sauce, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your preferences. Swap out the bread for a baguette or sub the marinara for pesto for a different flavor profile. Add extra toppings like spinach, onions, or bell peppers to make the sandwich even more delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later. Simply reheat the sandwiches in the oven for a few minutes, and you’ve got a quick and satisfying meal ready to go.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 sandwiches (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: Around 600-700 calories per sandwich, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella)
• 4 sandwich rolls (sub rolls, brioche buns, or baguettes work well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, you may want to slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces, as this will allow them to cook more evenly and quickly. Season both sides of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

• In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
• In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating it evenly on both sides. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

At this point, the chicken breasts are breaded and ready to be cooked.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium to prevent burning.

Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the chicken is cooling slightly, slice the sandwich rolls in half. Place them on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Once the rolls are toasted, spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each roll. Place one fried chicken breast on top of the sauce, then spoon more marinara sauce over the chicken. Top each sandwich with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

If you’re using fresh mozzarella, slice it and place a few pieces on top of the chicken. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for added flavor.

5. Melt the Cheese

Place the assembled sandwiches in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly. If you want a slightly browned and crispy cheese topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two of baking, but be sure to watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.

6. Serve the Sandwiches

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the sandwiches from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the sandwiches hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Double Breading: For an extra crispy coating, you can double bread the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and breadcrumbs after the first coating. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: If possible, use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture and a more authentic Italian flavor. Fresh mozzarella also melts beautifully, adding richness to the sandwich.
• Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the sandwich rolls in the oven ensures that the bread won’t get soggy from the marinara sauce. It also gives the rolls a nice, crispy texture that complements the crispy chicken.
• Make Your Own Marinara: While store-bought marinara works well in a pinch, making your own marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the sandwich. A simple homemade marinara with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs can really take the sandwich to the next level.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you’re making multiple sandwiches or need to keep the chicken warm, you can place the fried chicken breasts on a wire rack in the oven at 200°F (90°C) to keep them warm without overcooking them.

Variations of Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Add some heat to your sandwich by incorporating red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or spreading a thin layer of spicy mustard on the bread before adding the chicken. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
• BBQ Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Swap out the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. The BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken and melty mozzarella, creating a sweet and savory sandwich.
• Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich: For a vegetarian version of this sandwich, replace the chicken with breaded and fried slices of eggplant. Layer it with marinara sauce and cheese for a delicious meatless option.
• Parmesan Chicken Sandwich with Pesto: Instead of marinara sauce, try using basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous twist. The rich pesto pairs wonderfully with the crispy chicken and melted cheese.
• Chicken Parmesan Baguette Sandwich: For a French-inspired twist, use a crispy baguette instead of sandwich rolls. The crusty bread adds an extra crunch and texture to the sandwich.

Storage and Shelf Life

While Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but the bread may become soft.

If you want to freeze the sandwiches, assemble them up until the cheese is added, and then wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are hearty and filling on their own, but pairing them with a few sides can make the meal even more satisfying:

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons is a great side for Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
• Garlic Bread: Add more carbs and flavor to your meal by serving some garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky bread complements the flavors of the sandwich beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful side that complements the richness of the sandwich.
• French Fries: For a classic comfort food combination, serve your Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with a side of crispy French fries. The combination of crunchy fries and the gooey sandwich is irresistible.
• Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup makes a great pairing for Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches. The soup’s acidity and smooth texture complement the crispy sandwich perfectly.

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Conclusion

The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a delicious, satisfying meal that combines the best elements of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a sandwich. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual get-together with friends and family.

This recipe is simple to make, customizable to your tastes, and always sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings. Try this recipe out, and it may just become your new go-to sandwich for any occasion!