If you’re craving a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, comforting texture, and a little Italian flair, you’ve come to the right place. This Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe brings together crispy, golden chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, all piled high on a fresh sub roll. It’s like having a classic chicken parm in a sandwich form, making it perfect for any casual dinner or a game day feast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for satisfying that hearty, cheesy craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, creating the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and melty goodness that makes this Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe so irresistible. Each component adds a unique touch, from the tender chicken to the vibrant basil that finishes the flavor profile.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets tenderized and breaded for that perfect crunch.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds a savory crunch that locks in moisture and flavor.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Brings tangy and rich tomato flavors that compliment the chicken beautifully.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: Melts beautifully for that classic creamy, stringy cheese pull.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, aromatic lift to the entire sub.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers an extra sharp, nutty layer of cheese flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection with rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Meanwhile, tenderize your chicken breasts by placing them between sheets of plastic wrap and pounding them until they’re about an inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Set up a classic breading station with three bowls: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, which helps the egg coat stick better, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs for that signature crispy crust that makes this Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry each breaded chicken breast until golden brown on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The goal here is a crunchy exterior with juicy chicken inside, so patience is key to avoid burning the crust.
Step 4: Assemble for Baking
Transfer the fried chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce over each piece, then evenly layer slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. This is where it all comes together into the iconic Chicken Parmesan flavor you’re craving.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown slightly. This oven step melds all the flavors beautifully and ensures your sub will have that irresistible cheesy finish.
Step 6: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe
Slide the hot, cheesy chicken onto toasted sub rolls and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. The fresh herbs add just the right touch of brightness to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must for this recipe, adding a fragrant and flavorful punch that elevates every bite. Consider also adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a little heat and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe with crispy fries or a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic knots also complement the sub perfectly for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these subs into mini sliders for a party spread or serve open-faced with an extra shower of herbs and Parmesan on top. You could even stack mozzarella and basil between layers of chicken for an over-the-top cheesy delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Parmesan Sub components separately if possible—store the chicken, sauce, and buns in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the rolls from becoming soggy and keeps the chicken flavorful.
Freezing
The cooked chicken topped with sauce and cheese freezes well. Wrap each piece tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Chicken Parmesan Sub by placing the chicken (with sauce and cheese) in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Toast the sub rolls separately for the freshest texture before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly in this Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe.
What type of bread is best for this sub?
A crusty sub roll or hoagie bun works best to hold all the fillings without getting soggy. You want bread with a sturdy crust and soft inside to perfectly complement the crispy chicken.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, so you’ll still get plenty of flavor.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls, and make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain hidden gluten. The breading and frying steps stay the same for a delicious gluten-free treat.
How do I keep the chicken crispy after baking?
Frying the chicken first creates a crispy crust that holds up well in the oven. Baking just melts the cheese and warms the sauce, so the crunch stays intact. To maintain crispness, avoid stacking the subs too long before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, balancing crunchy chicken, rich cheese, and bright basil in every bite. It’s comforting without being complicated and perfect for any day you want a memorable meal with simple ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to sandwiches!
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Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Sub recipe offers a crispy breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection and served on a sub roll with fresh basil. A delicious and comforting sandwich perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Flour, for dredging (quantity as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Beaten eggs (2 large eggs recommended)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 6 sub rolls, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Tenderize Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently until they are about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy coating on the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the Italian breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through, achieving a crispy exterior.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece, then layer with slices of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned, enhancing the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the chicken Parmesan in sub rolls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, fresh touch.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce depending on your preference.
- If you prefer, you may grill the chicken breasts instead of frying them for a lighter version.
- Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Sub rolls can be toasted lightly before assembling for added texture.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
