Name: Chicken Parm Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Vegetable oil for frying; 2 crusty sandwich rolls (ciabatta, hoagie, or brioche buns work well); 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or use provolone for a sharper bite); 2 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns); Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, crispy, saucy chicken parm sandwich. It’s comfort food at its finest—crispy chicken cutlets, melty mozzarella, rich marinara, all tucked into a perfectly toasted bun. Growing up, my Nonna would make the best chicken parmesan, always with extra sauce and cheese. I’ve taken her classic Italian chicken parm and given it a deli-style American twist: the ultimate chicken parm sandwich.

Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends for lunch, this recipe is fast, satisfying, and soul-hugging.

If you love comforting Italian-American fusion dishes like garlic parmesan chicken pasta or chicken over rice, this sandwich will feel like a hug in food form. I’ve taken her classic and added a deli-style twist to create this hearty, soul-satisfying recipe you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make
Crispy, juicy chicken with bold flavor
Melty cheese and saucy goodness
Great for lunch, dinner, or game days
Customizable with your favorite buns or sauces

This chicken parm sandwich is everything we love about comfort food

Chicken parm sandwich with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil on a crusty bun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sandwich:

2 crusty sandwich rolls (ciabatta, hoagie, or brioche buns work well)
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 slices mozzarella cheese (or use provolone for a sharper bite)
2 tbsp butter (for toasting the buns)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

How to Make a Chicken Parm Sandwich

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Bread the Chicken

Set up three shallow bowls:
1. One with flour
2. One with beaten eggs
3. One with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour (shake off excess), dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Press gently so it sticks well.

Chicken cutlets being breaded in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a chicken parm sandwich.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken cutlets for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Warm the Marinara

Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
You want it warm but not bubbling to keep the flavors fresh.

5. Toast the Rolls

Slice the sandwich rolls in half and lightly butter the insides.
Toast on a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.

6. Assemble the Sandwich

Spoon some marinara sauce on the bottom half of each roll.
Lay the crispy chicken on top.
Add another spoonful of sauce and place mozzarella slices over the chicken.
If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.
Top with fresh basil leaves and the top half of the roll.

Assembling a chicken parm sandwich with cheese and sauce.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parm Sandwich

Double-breading the chicken (egg-breadcrumb-egg-breadcrumb) can give extra crispiness if you’re feeling indulgent.
For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes into your marinara.
Use fresh mozzarella if possible—it melts beautifully and has a creamy bite.
Add arugula or baby spinach for a fresh, peppery twist.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Parm Sandwiches

For best results, store the chicken, sauce, and bread separately. Keep the cooked chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and store marinara in a sealed container for up to five days. Bread is best kept at room temperature to avoid sogginess. If freezing, wrap cooked chicken cutlets (without sauce or bread) and store them for up to two months.

To reheat, the oven works best—bake chicken at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, adding sauce and cheese in the last few minutes. Toast the bread separately. An air fryer also crisps the chicken nicely at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sandwich soggy, but it works in a pinch if wrapped in a paper towel and heated briefly.

What to Serve With Chicken Parm Sandwiches

Pair your chicken parm sandwich with sides that bring balance and flavor to the table:

A chilled Caesar pasta salad adds a creamy, crunchy contrast
Serve with buttery, savory French onion butter rice for a warm, satisfying side
For a fun, game-day twist, offer some crack chicken dip on the side
Finish strong with a creamy dessert like tiramisu cheesecake or fruity strawberry tres leches cake

Wash it down with a crisp iced tea or sparkling lemonade—Nonna would insist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Bread and fry the cutlets ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes before assembling.

What’s the best cheese for chicken parm sandwiches?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or fontina adds more depth. Always go for good meltability.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for crispiness.

Want More?

If this sandwich hits the spot, try exploring other flavor-packed creations like the ultimate steak sandwich or the tender shredded beef sandwiches for your next craveable meal.

Chicken Parm Sandwich

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