How to Make the Best Chicken Parmesan Sandwich at Home

I love Italian-American food, especially chicken parmesan sandwiches. They remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen. Today, I’ll show you how to make the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich at home.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American dish, not traditional Italian cuisine
• Using a combination of Italian breadcrumbs and Panko for extra crispiness is recommended
• Provolone cheese is a great choice to complement the breaded chicken and marinara sauce
• Pounding the chicken to 1/2-inch thickness ensures tenderness
• The chicken is fried for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through

What Makes a Perfect Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

The chicken parmesan sandwich is a mix of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese on toasted bread. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that has changed over time. Now, it comes in both traditional and modern styles to please everyone.

Traditional vs. Modern Preparation Methods

Traditionally, the sandwich was made by frying the chicken cutlets. This made them crispy and delicious. But, many people now prefer baking the chicken. It’s a healthier choice that still gets the chicken crispy.

Key Components for Success

• Properly seasoned breadcrumbs for a tasty and crunchy coating
• High-quality marinara sauce for the right mix of sweet and tangy
• The right cheese blend, like mozzarella and Provolone, for great flavor and melting

The Italian-American Heritage

The chicken parmesan sandwich comes from Italian-American cuisine. It’s thought to be a twist on eggplant parmesan, made by Italian immigrants. They used ingredients they found in their new home.

Whether you like the fried or baked version, the chicken parmesan sandwich is a favorite. It’s loved for its crispy texture, tasty flavors, and the warm feelings it brings.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Parm Sub

To make a great chicken parm sub recipe at home, you need the right homemade chicken parmesan sandwich ingredients. The base of this dish is juicy chicken cutlets, breaded just right.

Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect taste and texture:

• Thin chicken breasts or cutlets
• Eggs for dredging
• All-purpose flour
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian-style buns or rolls
• Butter or cooking oil
• Garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and salt for seasoning

The breading mix is crucial for the chicken parm sub. It should have Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. This mix makes a tasty, crunchy crust that goes well with the chicken.

For the best results, use high-quality mozzarella and provolone cheeses. They melt well, adding a gooey, cheesy layer on top of the chicken. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a homemade chicken parmesan sandwich that will wow everyone.

Preparing the Chicken Cutlets for Maximum Crispiness

To get the perfect crispy chicken cutlets for your Chicken Parmesan sandwich, pay close attention to how you prepare them. A few simple steps can make your chicken parm a true culinary delight.

Proper Chicken Thickness Technique

Begin by pounding your chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and avoids dry or uneven spots. Be careful not to pound too much, so the chicken stays thick enough.

Double Dredging Method

For an extra-crispy crust, use the double dredging method. First, lightly dust the chicken with flour, then shake off any extra. Next, dip it in beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it in seasoned crispy chicken cutlets breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick. Do this step again for an even crunchier result.

Seasoning Tips

• Season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before dredging.
• For extra flavor, mix garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil into the breadcrumb mix.
• Using high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb coating will elevate your chicken parm preparation.

By following these simple yet impactful techniques, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the crispiest, most delectable Chicken Parmesan sandwiches right in your own kitchen.

The Ultimate Breading Process Step-by-Step

Getting the perfect chicken parmesan breading is crucial for a crispy, golden crust. Follow this guide to breading chicken for your tasty Chicken Parmesan sandwiches.

1. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mix of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
2. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
4. Finally, transfer the egg-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to help the crumbs adhere.
5. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping process for an extra crispy crust.

Now your chicken is perfectly breaded. Warm a generous amount of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently add the breaded chicken and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and you’re ready to assemble your delectable Chicken Parmesan sandwiches.

“The perfect chicken parmesan breading is the foundation for a truly delicious Chicken Parmesan sandwich. Mastering this step-by-step process will ensure your homemade chicken parm technique turns out crispy, golden, and irresistible.”

Best Bread Choices for Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Choosing the right bread is key for a great chicken parmesan sandwich. Soft, chewy Italian-style hoagie rolls or rustic, crusty ciabatta are top picks. They add to the Italian flair of the sandwich.

Hoagie Rolls vs Ciabatta

Hoagie rolls are a classic for chicken parm sandwiches. They’re soft and hold the filling well without getting soggy. This makes for a tender, moist sandwich.

Ciabatta bread, however, has a heartier, crustier texture. It pairs well with the crispy chicken. For a party, a large ciabatta loaf is perfect.

Toasting Techniques

Toasting is crucial for the best texture and flavor. Brush the bread with olive oil and broil until it turns golden. You can also add garlic-basil butter for extra taste.

The secret to an exceptional Chicken Parmesan sandwich is finding the perfect balance. The right bread and toasting make it a flavorful masterpiece. It celebrates Italian-American flavors perfectly.

Making the Perfect Marinara Sauce

Making the perfect marinara sauce is key for a tasty chicken parmesan sandwich. The sauce should be flavorful, with a good balance of acidity and the right thickness. Start with high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, and mix them with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano.

Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to get rich, complex flavors. These flavors will complement the crispy chicken and melted cheese perfectly. If you’re short on time, a good store-bought marinara sauce can also work, just heat it well before using.

For the best taste, use about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce per sandwich. This amount lets the sauce enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Whether you make your own marinara sauce or use a high-quality store-bought one, make sure it’s hot. This way, it’s ready to top your crispy chicken parm sauce when you assemble your sandwich.

Cheese Selection and Melting Guidelines

Choosing the right cheese is key for a great chicken parmesan cheese sandwich. Mozzarella and provolone are the top picks. They melt beautifully and add a rich flavor.

Mozzarella and Provolone Combinations

Mozzarella is essential for its meltability and stretchy feel. It pairs well with the crispy chicken. Adding provolone brings a sharper taste, balancing the mozzarella’s mildness.

For the best taste, mix equal parts of shredded mozzarella and provolone. The shredded cheese melts evenly, covering the chicken perfectly.

Proper Melting Techniques

To melt the cheese, place the mix on the chicken and broil for 3 minutes. This quick heat makes the cheese bubbly and slightly browned. It’s incredibly delicious.

For an extra treat, sprinkle Parmesan on top before broiling. The Parmesan adds a savory, nutty taste. It elevates the chicken parmesan cheese sandwich to new levels.

Assembly and Layering Techniques

To make the perfect chicken parm sub, start by toasting the bread. This makes a strong base. Then, spread a lot of marinara sauce on the bottom bun.

Add the crispy chicken cutlet on top. Next, put more marinara sauce and the melted cheese mixture. Finish with chopped basil for a fresh touch.

For a big chicken parmesan sandwich, layer the cutlets like shingles. This ensures even coverage. Gently press down to help the ingredients adhere together.

Wrap the sandwich in foil and steam for 5 minutes. This lets the flavors get even better. It’s like getting a taste of Italy in every bite.

FAQ

What makes a perfect chicken parmesan sandwich?

A perfect chicken parmesan sandwich has crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese on toasted bread. It needs seasoned breadcrumbs, quality marinara sauce, and the right cheese blend.

What are the essential ingredients for a chicken parm sub?

You’ll need thin chicken breasts, eggs, flour, Italian breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian-style buns. Don’t forget butter, cooking oil, and herbs like garlic powder and basil.

How can I achieve maximum crispiness for the chicken cutlets?

Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness for crispiness. Use the double dredging method: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then egg and breadcrumbs again.

What is the ultimate breading process for chicken parmesan?

Set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and seasonings. Dip chicken in each, then repeat for extra crispiness.

What are the best bread choices for chicken parmesan sandwiches?

Choose Italian-style hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or baguettes. Hoagie rolls are soft and tender. Ciabatta is crustier, perfect with crispy chicken.

How do I make the perfect marinara sauce for chicken parmesan sandwiches?

Use quality canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

What’s the best cheese combination for chicken parmesan sandwiches?

Mix mozzarella and provolone for the best cheese. Mozzarella melts well, while provolone adds flavor. Shredded cheese melts evenly.

How do I assemble the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich?

Start with toasted bread, marinara sauce, crispy chicken, more sauce, and melted cheese. Sprinkle basil on top before closing.