Description
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a delicious Italian-American classic featuring juicy breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, served on toasted ciabatta buns. It makes a hearty main course that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, combining crunchy texture with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Toppings and Assembly
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns, toasted
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs well.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat. Fry each cutlet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through internally.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken cutlets and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Top each hot cutlet with a slice of mozzarella cheese and spoon warm marinara sauce over it. Cover loosely with foil or place briefly under a broiler until the cheese melts.
- Toast the Bread: Toast your sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns until lightly golden and crisp.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Layer each toasted bun with the cheesy chicken cutlet, an extra spoonful of marinara sauce, and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating steps.
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce according to your preference.
- Add arugula or fresh spinach inside the sandwich for a fresh green touch.