The chicken parm sandwich is a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, blending the flavors of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Here’s how to make a classic chicken parm sandwich at home.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Cutlets:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Marinara Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assembly:
- 4 sandwich rolls (ciabatta, hoagie, or your favorite type)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Slice the sandwich rolls open and place them on a baking sheet.
- Place a chicken cutlet on the bottom half of each roll.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the sandwiches under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Place the top half of the roll on each sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parm Sandwich
- Bread Selection: The type of bread you choose can significantly affect the sandwich’s texture and flavor. Ciabatta and hoagie rolls are excellent choices as they hold up well to the sauce and fillings.
- Sauce: For a richer flavor, consider making your marinara sauce from scratch. A good quality store-bought sauce can also work well if you’re short on time.
- Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides a delightful melty and savory contrast.
- Chicken: Ensure the chicken cutlets are thin and evenly cooked. Pounding them to a uniform thickness can help achieve this.
Sides to Serve with a Chicken Parm Sandwich
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complement the rich flavors of the chicken parm sandwich.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed in garlic and Parmesan cheese offer a tasty and indulgent side.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze provide a light and refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant adds a healthy and flavorful side option.
- Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and Italian dressing pairs well and adds variety to the meal.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for a savory and shareable side.