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These Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are a mouthwatering treat! Juicy, breaded chicken gets topped with melty cheese and rich marinara sauce, all tucked into a soft bun.
Let’s be real, who can resist that gooey cheese and crispy chicken combo? I sometimes make extras just so I can enjoy them at lunch the next day! 😋
I love how easy these sandwiches are to whip up. Just bread, bake, and stack! Perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal when you want something comforting and tasty!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re easy to work with and cook quickly. For a twist, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or even baked eggplant for a vegetarian option!
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs bring great flavor. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs or panko work too, but you can add a little Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will give you a better flavor and texture than pre-grated. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara can make a huge difference. You can use store-bought or homemade, but if you’re in a rush, jarred sauce works just fine! Look for one without added sugars for a fresher taste.
How Can I Perfectly Bread Chicken for a Crunchy Coating?
Breading your chicken properly is key to a crunchy texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Set up your breading station: easy access helps with a smooth process.
- Season the flour! Mixing in a little salt and pepper can elevate the flavor right from the start.
- Make sure to coat the chicken well in flour, shake off the excess before egg dipping.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly. This helps it stick during frying.
Remember to fry the chicken in batches if your skillet is small. Overcrowding can lead to mushy breading!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
What You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30-40 minutes, including cooking time and baking. It’s a fun process where you’ll be frying, baking, and getting those delicious smells wafting through your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat!
Instructions:
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the chicken is ready to go in.
While that’s heating up, let’s prepare the chicken. Season those boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. You want to make sure the flavor is spot-on!
Now, let’s set up a little breading station—it makes things so much easier! On one plate, spread out the flour. In a bowl, beat those eggs until they’re well mixed. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and if you’re feeling spicy, the red pepper flakes. This mixture is going to add fabulous flavor to your chicken!
Now for the fun part! Take each chicken breast and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, roll it in that crumbly breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure those crumbs stick nicely. You want a good crust on there!
In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once they’re done, let them drain on some paper towels to get rid of any extra oil.
Now, it’s time to get cheesy! Place your gorgeous fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Spoon a bit of marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese—because who doesn’t love more cheese?
Pop that baking sheet in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on it because that melted cheese is just mesmerizing!
While that’s baking, give your hoagie rolls a light toast in the oven or in a toaster—just enough to make them warm and crisp. Trust me, it makes the sandwiches even better!
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble! Grab those toasted hoagie rolls and lovingly place your cheesy chicken breasts inside. If you have fresh basil leaves, add them in for a pop of flavor and freshness.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches immediately, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Happy cooking! You’ve just made a delightful meal that’s sure to impress anyone at the table. 🎉
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier sandwich, and they can be cooked in the same way. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through than breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Italian-style Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasonings. Mix in some dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder to give them flavor. Alternatively, crushed crackers or panko can also work well!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
Can I Make the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the breaded chicken breasts a day ahead. After frying, allow them to cool completely and then store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven before assembling the sandwiches to ensure they stay crispy!
