Crispy Chicken Parmesan Subs

This hearty chicken parmesan sub transforms a classic Italian dish into a handheld masterpiece that's perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese nestled in a warm roll creates comfort food that's both satisfying and straightforward to prepare.

I first made these subs on a rainy Sunday when my family was craving something cozy yet exciting. The way the cheese bubbled and stretched with each bite had everyone reaching for seconds, and now it's our most requested weekend meal.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the star of the show look for even thickness or pound them yourself for consistent cooking
• All purpose flour: creates the first layer of the breading structure ensures sauce adhesion
• Large eggs: act as the essential glue that holds the breading to the chicken
• Panko breadcrumbs: provide superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs
• Garlic and onion powder: infuse the breading with aromatic flavor without burning like fresh garlic might
• Italian seasoning: adds classic herb notes that complement the marinara perfectly
• Quality sub rolls: sturdy enough to hold fillings without falling apart artisan bakery rolls work beautifully
• Marinara sauce: anchors the flavor profile choose a thick variety to prevent soggy bread
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that photo worthy cheese pull freshly sliced works better than pre packaged
• Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and saltiness look for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Using a meat mallet, pound each breast to a quarter inch thickness between sheets of plastic wrap. This ensures quick even cooking and creates the perfect size to fit your sub rolls.

Create Your Breading Station:

Set up three shallow dishes in a row. Fill the first with flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat eggs thoroughly in the second dish until completely blended. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.

Bread the Chicken:

Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, coating completely and shaking off excess. Next, dip into beaten eggs, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, press into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Place on a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere.

Fry to Perfection:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Subs:

Split sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom half of each roll. Place one fried chicken cutlet on each roll, overlapping if necessary to fit. Spoon more marinara generously over each chicken piece.

Melt the Cheese:

Layer two slices of mozzarella over each chicken cutlet, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the mozzarella. Transfer assembled subs to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges of rolls turn golden.

Final Touches:

Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with additional warmed marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between the crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and melted cheese creates an unforgettable bite.

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You Must Know

• Perfect for meal prep the chicken can be breaded and fried a day ahead
• Contains approximately 50g of protein per serving making it satisfying and filling
• Can be easily adapted for different dietary needs with simple substitutions
• Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for beginners

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the crispy chicken coating and the gooey melted cheese. I remember making these for my brother when he visited after being away for years, and the look on his face with that first bite told me everything I needed to know about the power of comfort food to bring people together.

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Making Ahead and Storage

The beauty of these chicken parmesan subs lies in their flexibility. You can prepare the chicken cutlets up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until crisp and hot before assembling your subs. This makes them perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights when time is limited.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to your marinara or layer in some sliced pepperoncini peppers. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with eggplant slices, prepared exactly the same way but with slightly shorter cooking times.

The cheese selection offers another opportunity for customization. While mozzarella provides that classic stretch, provolone adds more flavor depth. For true cheese lovers, consider a combination of cheeses or even adding a layer of creamy ricotta beneath the mozzarella for ultimate indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

These substantial subs stand perfectly well on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider lighter sides that complement rather than compete. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

For a more substantial spread, serve with garlic parmesan fries or a small bowl of Italian wedding soup. At parties, consider cutting the subs into smaller portions as sliders for easier handling during mingling. A chilled Chianti or crisp lager pairs beautifully with the robust flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Ensure you fry the chicken in hot olive oil until golden brown. Toasting the sub rolls before assembly also helps maintain crispness by preventing sogginess from the marinara sauce.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a combination of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

→ Can these subs be made ahead?

Bread and fry the chicken ahead of time, and reheat in the oven when ready. Assemble and bake the subs just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What’s the best way to pound chicken evenly?

Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to ¼-inch thickness. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to avoid mess.

→ Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes, air fry the breaded chicken at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with oil for a crispy result.