Description
This Chicken Parm Sandwich recipe offers a deliciously crispy and cheesy chicken cutlet layered with savory marinara sauce and fresh basil, all nestled in a toasted Italian-style bun. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this sandwich combines classic Italian flavors with a satisfying crunch and gooey mozzarella topping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs (whisked)
- 1¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups canola oil
Buns and Toppings
- 6 Italian-style buns
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Transfer this mixture to a shallow bowl for dredging.
- Prepare dipping stations: Whisk the eggs in a separate shallow bowl and place the all-purpose flour in a third shallow bowl, setting up stations for coating the chicken cutlets.
- Dredge chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet in the order of flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, back to egg, and finally again in breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough and crispy coating.
- Fry chicken: Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Reduce heat to medium and shallow fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through with no pink inside.
- Broil with cheese: Place the fried chicken cutlets on a rack set over a cookie sheet. Top each with sliced mozzarella cheese and broil for approximately 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Toast buns: Slice the Italian-style buns in half. Spread the cut sides with unsalted butter and sprinkle with garlic salt. Toast under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp, watching carefully.
- Heat marinara sauce: Warm the marinara sauce in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring halfway through the heating time to ensure even warmth.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon about ¼ cup of the warmed marinara sauce over each cheesy chicken cutlet, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Place the prepared chicken on the toasted buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise helps ensure even cooking and creates a perfect sandwich size.
- The double coating of egg and breadcrumbs ensures an extra crispy crust.
- Broiling the cheese and toasting the buns adds a delightful melty texture and crunch.
- Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning the cheese or buns.
- Use fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish.
- Canola oil is preferred for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
