Indulge in the delectable flavors of our Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. This irresistible dish combines juicy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all sandwiched between two toasted buns. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and Italian flair, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Serving: 4
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Calories: Approximately 480 calories per sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 4 sandwich buns
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Equipment:
- Equipment 1: Mixing bowls
- Equipment 2: Whisk
- Equipment 3: Frying pan
- Equipment 4: Baking sheet
- Equipment 5: Oven (optional for toasting the buns)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- Place the flour in a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, coating it evenly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Repeat the process for all the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the sandwich buns in half horizontally and place them on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
- If desired, lightly toast the buns in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Spread marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a cooked chicken breast on top of the sauce.
- Top each chicken breast with two slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking sheet with the assembled sandwiches in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven.
- Garnish each sandwich with fresh basil leaves.
- Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich.
- Serve the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches while warm and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- For extra crispy chicken, you can double dip the chicken breasts by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process after the first coating has set.
- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Customize your sandwich by adding sliced tomatoes, arugula, or your favorite condiments.
- To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade sauce adds a special touch.
- Serve with a side of fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts:
The Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a handheld sandwich. The crunchy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or craving a comforting lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
FAQ:
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A1: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q2: Can I make the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
A2: While the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, then assemble the sandwiches.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese in the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A3: Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese is traditional for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A4: Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
Q5: Can I make the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour to make the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the marinara sauce, are also gluten-free.
Q6: Can I freeze the breaded chicken for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before cooking it for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking.
Q7: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A7: While it’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you have leftovers. Simply warm the pre-cooked chicken in a microwave or oven, then proceed with assembling the sandwiches.
Q8: Can I make the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe spicy?
A8: Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle some hot sauce on the chicken before assembling the sandwich.
Q9: Can I use a different type of sauce for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A9: While marinara sauce is traditional for the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, you can experiment with other sauces such as pesto or alfredo sauce for a unique twist.
Q10: Can I make a vegetarian version of the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe?
A10: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich by substituting the chicken with breaded and fried eggplant slices or breaded and fried tofu slices. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the ingredient you choose.
Enjoy your homemade Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
