Description
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich features tender, juicy chicken breasts breaded with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, all nestled inside a toasted Italian roll, this sandwich delivers classic Italian flavors in a convenient handheld meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sandwich Layers
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
- 4 Italian bread or hoagie rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Breading and Seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken after frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, the beaten eggs, and the breadcrumbs combined with Italian seasoning to create a breading station for coating the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each pounded chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy exterior after frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each breaded chicken piece until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, to lock in juices and create a crispy crust.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to melt during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly, ensuring a flavorful finishing touch.
- Toast the Rolls: While the chicken bakes, lightly toast the Italian bread or hoagie rolls either in a pan or the oven to add texture and warmth to the sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place each baked chicken breast on a toasted roll, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts thin helps them cook evenly and crisply.
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic flavor; it pairs beautifully with the melted cheese and marinara.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying, but frying gives the crispiest texture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature for perfect browning.
- Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in the oven at low temperature to keep the bread crispy.
