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!