Best Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe

The inside scoop on this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: This is an Americanized Italian dish
Number of Ingredients: 13, I know it sounds like a lot, but, don’t let this intimidate you, most are common pantry ingredients and this recipe comes together quickly (salt, pepper and the optional fresh basil are not included)
Feeds: 4, but it is easy to double or triple this recipe
Total Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Frying
Key Flavor: Fried chicken
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate but only because of frying the chicken

• Make-Ahead Dish: While this sandwich is best eaten right after it’s made, you can measure and prep all of the ingredients beforehand, so all you have to do is fry the chicken and assemble the sandwich before serving it.
• Versatile: This sandwich, like my fried chicken burgers or hot honey chicken wings makes a perfect casual summer meal, but it would also be awesome to serve at a Super Bowl party or Halloween potluck.
• Perfect for your Picky Eaters: How could anyone not love this sandwich? Even your picky eaters will be smitten.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Flour, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – are combined to coat and season the chicken breasts before adding the panko.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – are the star of this sandwich. Because breasts are so large these days, cutting them in half saves money and gives you the perfect portion. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted but will need to be cooked a little longer.
• Eggs and panko bread crumbs – coat the chicken to form a crispy, tasty crust when it’s fried.
• Avocado oil and unsalted butter – are combined to fry the chicken breasts. You can substitute any other high-smoke-point oil, such as peanut oil, for the avocado oil. If you prefer to leave out the butter, increase the amount of oil by two tablespoons.
• Hoagie rolls – make the perfect vessel for these sandwiches. You can substitute ciabatta rolls, french bread, baguettes, kaiser rolls, sub rolls, or sturdy sourdough bread.
• Marinara sauce and fresh parsley – add tomato flavor and a fresh taste. I like to use jarred marinara, but you can also use homemade or even my cherry tomato sauce would work.
• Mozzarella cheese – smothers the fried chicken with melted, gooey cheesy goodness. Enough said. You can substitute provolone cheese.
• Fresh basil, an optional garnish.

You can find complete measurements in the recipe card below.

How to make a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

1. Preheat your oven to broil.
2. Add the flour, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a pie plate or shallow dish. Mix until combined. In another shallow dish, add the eggs, and in a third shallow bowl, add the panko.

3. Pat the breasts dry with a paper towel, then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour, then the egg, and finally the panko. Set aside.

4. Add the oil and butter to a large skillet over low to medium heat. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the breasts.
5. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes. Flip each piece over and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F, as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. The time depends on the thickness of the breasts.

6. While the chicken is cooking, split the rolls in two, place them on a baking sheet, and broil in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly toasted. Remove from the oven.

7. Remove the skillet with the breasts from the heat. Spread about a quarter of a cup of marinara sauce on each piece, top with parsley, and then add about a quarter cup of mozzarella cheese on each and the remainder of the Italian seasoning.

8. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for one to three minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Spread about a tablespoon of marinara sauce on the bottom roll and add a breast.

10. Add the top roll and optional basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Menu suggestions

I like to serve these chicken parmesan sandwiches with a scoop of southern potato salad or potato chips and my grape salad or broccoli salad. A scoop of strawberry sherbet or orange sherbet ice cream is a family favorite and a much-appreciated sweet ending.

Recipe variations

Try cutting your breasts in several pieces and substitute slider rolls to make always popular chicken parmesan sliders.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Unfortunately, the rolls on this sandwich tend to get soggy, and the chicken loses its crispiness when stored in the fridge, so it’s best to only make as many sandwiches as you plan to eat right away.

You can store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, reheat it in an air fryer preheated to 375°F for four to five minutes or until warmed through and crispy, toast new rolls, and assemble.

If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Sharon’s tips

• This sandwich makes a great party appetizer when sliced into thirds or quarters. To keep the layers together, stick a toothpick through them before serving.
• Do not overcook your chicken. Keep a close eye on it while it cooks; breasts tend to dry out and get tough if overcooked. The thinner the breasts, the quicker they will cook.

More chicken dinner recipes

If you need more menu ideas, here is a link to all of my chicken recipes.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

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