When you crave the ultimate comfort food sandwich that combines crispy, golden chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, this Chicken Parm Sandwich delivers everything you could want and more. This beloved Italian-American classic transforms tender chicken breast into a crunchy, flavorful cutlet that’s smothered in tangy marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese, all nestled between crusty bread. Each bite offers the perfect contrast of textures – from the crispy coating to the juicy chicken, creamy melted cheese, and soft bread. Perfect for satisfying weekend cravings, feeding hungry teenagers, or whenever you want to indulge in a sandwich that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying.
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sandwich assembly:
- 4 crusty Italian sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 2 cups marinara sauce, warmed
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella or 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Cutlets
Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender results.
Season both sides of the flattened chicken with salt and pepper. The uniform thickness is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Setting Up Your Breading Station
Create three shallow dishes for your breading station. In the first dish, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth.
In the third dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the coating.
Creating the Golden Crust
Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge it first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Press gently to help the coating adhere properly for maximum crispiness.
Frying to Perfection
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately upon contact.
Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while you prepare the sandwiches.
Preparing the Bread
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, leaving them hinged on one side. Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and spread this mixture on the inside surfaces of the bread.
Toast the bread lightly under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until just golden. This step prevents the bread from getting soggy and adds extra flavor.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Place each crispy chicken cutlet on the bottom half of a toasted roll. Spoon warm marinara sauce generously over each piece of chicken, allowing it to pool slightly around the edges.
Layer the mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered chicken. If using fresh mozzarella, pat it dry first to prevent excess moisture.
Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for extra flavor and that authentic Italian touch.
Melting the Cheese
Place the open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown in spots. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
The cheese should be completely melted and slightly golden, creating that irresistible stretchy pull when you take a bite.
Final Assembly and Serving
Remove from the broiler and add a few fresh basil leaves on top of the melted cheese for color and fresh flavor. Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls.
Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and melty. These sandwiches are best enjoyed right away when all the textures are at their peak.
Perfect Side Dishes
These hearty sandwiches pair wonderfully with crispy French fries, onion rings, or a simple Italian salad with vinaigrette. The rich sandwich benefits from something light and acidic on the side.
For a complete Italian experience, serve with pasta salad or antipasto vegetables like marinated peppers and olives.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can bread the chicken cutlets several hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook. This actually helps the coating adhere better during frying.
The marinara sauce can be made from scratch days ahead, or use your favorite high-quality store-bought version heated with a pinch of Italian herbs.
Variations to Try
For extra indulgence, add crispy bacon or prosciutto along with the cheese. Some people love adding roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor layers.
Try different cheese combinations like provolone mixed with mozzarella, or add a sprinkle of sharp Romano cheese for more intense flavor.
Storage and Reheating
While best eaten fresh, leftover sandwiches can be wrapped and refrigerated overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese re-melts.
The breaded chicken cutlets can also be frozen after cooking and reheated in the oven when you want quick sandwiches later.
Tips for Extra Crispiness
For an even crispier coating, let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set and creates a better crust.
Double-dredging (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg again, breadcrumbs again) creates an extra-thick, super-crispy coating for those who love maximum crunch.
This Chicken Parm Sandwich brings the authentic flavors of Italian-American comfort food right to your kitchen, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive enough to make any day feel special.
