Family Favorite Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

This chicken parmesan sandwich recipe combines all the classic chicken parm flavors, but instead of being served with spaghetti, the chicken is piled on Italian-style buns. This recipe has been a family favorite in my house for years, and I'm excited for you to try it! The best part, these chicken parm subs take just 30 minutes to make!

The Best Chicken Parm Sandwich Recipe

You've probably had chicken parm at a restaurant, and although the traditional meal is delicious, eating it as a sandwich is ten times better! Just wait until you take your first bite of the chicken parm sandwich this recipe makes - you'll never go back. 

In my opinion, the secret to the best chicken parmesan sandwiches is to use really good bread. Most recipes you'll find are for a chicken parmesan sub with a traditional sub roll, but I use crusty Italian-style buns that are toasted with butter. It's the perfect pair! 

Ingredients For Chicken Parm Sandwiches

• 2 chicken breasts - halved. I use boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them in half lengthwise, but you can also use chicken cutlets.
• ⅓ cup flour - to coat the chicken fillets before breading
• 3 small eggs - to help the bread crumbs stick
• Breadcrumb mixture - ¾ cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper, and ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4 Italian-style buns - (mine were with some extra herbs)
• ¼ cup butter - for spreading on the bread
• 4oz. fresh mozzarella cheese - for a cheesy topping
• 1 cup marinara sauce - for a rich, classic flavor
• Fresh basil - as desired
• Oil- for frying the chicken

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare The Breading Stations

The breading process is going to use three large bowls or shallow dishes. In the first one, combine the flour with salt and pepper and set aside. Next, whisk your eggs with a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Bread The Chicken

First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Next, coat each chicken breast cutlet with the flour mixture, and shake off any excess flour. After that, dredge each piece of chicken through the egg mixture and, finally, the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining chicken, ensuring that each chicken cutlet is evenly coated on both sides with the breading.

Step 3: Pan Fry The Chicken

Heat some frying oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the breaded chicken to the hot oil and cook it for 3-4 minutes per side. Place the chicken onto a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400°F and while you wait, top the chicken cutlets with fresh mozzarella cheese slices. 

Step 4: Broil The Chicken

Put the baking sheet in the heated oven and broil the chicken for 3 minutes or until all the cheese is melted and there is a golden brown, crispy crust. In the meantime, warm the marinara sauce in the microwave or in a saucepan over the stove. 

Step 5: Assemble The Sandwiches

Top each chicken cutlet with the warmed marinara sauce and add some fresh basil on top. Spread the butter over the halved buns and broil them or lightly toast the buns for 2 minutes. Add the chicken onto the bottom side of the buns and add the top bun. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Use a homemade marinara sauce or any jarred marinara sauce you want to change up the flavor.
• Experiment with herbs and spices to give your sandwiches a different flavor. Some great additions to this recipe include Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic salt, and different fresh herbs.
• Add some extra cheese! Let's be honest, there is no recipe that cannot benefit from a little extra cheese. If you are looking to mix it up, add a little provolone cheese on top of the mozzarella or sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top.
• Serve the chicken parm on toasted garlic bread for even more flavor.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

To be honest, there aren't usually too many leftovers when I make these sandwiches, they are that good! But if you do have some leftovers, you can wrap the cooled chicken sandwiches in aluminum foil and plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure you eat within 3 days. With that said, this recipe is definitely best enjoyed fresh!

For a make-ahead meal or to keep them for longer, allow the chicken to cool completely before putting it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

How To Reheat Chicken Parm

Iv'e found the best way to reheat the sandwiches is on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F ( 160°C). It takes about 15 minutes for the chicken to warm through and all the cheese to melt again. For the frozen chicken parm, you'll want to add about 15 more minutes of baking time.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe FAQS

What kind of bread should I use?

I use a hearty Italian bun, but you can also try French rolls, baguette sub rolls, ciabatta, or any other kind of bread you want. Just make sure it is crusty enough so that the tomato sauce doesn't make your sandwich soggy.

Is Chicken Parmigiana The Same As Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan are the same dish. They are just the Italian and English names for it.

More Breaded Chicken Recipes

• Chicken eggplant parm
• BBQ boneless wings
• Panko crusted chicken
• Chicken penne alla vodka
• Baked chicken cutlets
• Homemade chicken nuggets