This Chicken Parmesan Sub is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, transforming it into a hearty sandwich. Crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts are topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, all nestled within a sturdy sub roll.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless, pounded to ¼ inch thickness
• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Vegetable Oil: for frying
• Sub Rolls: 2 sturdy rolls
• Marinara Sauce: 1 cup
• Mozzarella Cheese: 4 slices
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage. Coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Assemble the Subs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fried chicken on sub rolls. Top each with marinara sauce, mozzarella slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Bake: Arrange assembled subs on a baking sheet. Bake until cheese melts and is bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 850
• Total Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 60g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Sub is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness packed into a delicious sub roll. It takes the classic Chicken Parmesan and transforms it into a handheld meal that is both satisfying and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick family dinner, serving it at a casual gathering, or making it for lunch, this sub offers the ideal balance of flavors and textures. The golden-brown breaded chicken breast delivers a satisfying crunch, while the marinara sauce brings a tangy richness that complements the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The sub roll holds everything together, ensuring that each bite is loaded with flavor. Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan, which is typically served with pasta, this version is more portable and perfect for on-the-go meals.

The Origins of Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, has its roots in Italian cuisine, though the version we know today is largely an Italian-American creation. Traditionally, Eggplant Parmesan was a popular dish in Southern Italy, where eggplant was breaded, fried, and topped with tomato sauce and cheese. When Italian immigrants came to the United States, they adapted the dish using chicken, which was more readily available and popular. Over time, Chicken Parmesan became a staple in Italian-American restaurants and homes. The dish was typically served with spaghetti or as an entrée on its own, but creative variations, like the Chicken Parmesan Sub, emerged to make it even more convenient and accessible. This sandwich version retains all the beloved flavors of the original dish but makes it even easier to enjoy as a meal on its own.

How to Customize Your Chicken Parmesan Sub

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you can try:

• Bread Choice: While a classic sub roll is ideal for holding everything together, you can switch it up by using ciabatta, baguette, or even a brioche bun for a softer texture.
• Sauce Options: A traditional marinara sauce works best, but you can experiment with spicy arrabbiata, roasted garlic tomato sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo for a different twist.
• Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and Parmesan are the go-to cheeses for this sub, but provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can add a unique depth of flavor.
• Baking vs. Frying: The traditional way to prepare the chicken is to fry it for a crispy texture, but for a healthier alternative, you can bake or air-fry the chicken.
• Extra Toppings: To add more flavor and texture, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, fresh basil, arugula, or roasted red peppers.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Sub

To achieve the perfect Chicken Parmesan Sub, keep these tips in mind:

• Use High-Quality Bread: The sub roll should be sturdy enough to hold the chicken and toppings without getting soggy. Toasting the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich can help maintain its structure.
• Double-Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy chicken breast, dip it in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs twice. This ensures a thicker, crunchier coating that holds up well under the sauce and cheese.
• Don’t Overload with Sauce: While marinara sauce is essential, using too much can make the sandwich soggy. Add just enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the texture.
• Melt the Cheese Properly: To get that gooey, melted cheese effect, bake or broil the assembled sandwich for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
• Serve Immediately: This sub is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the chicken is crispy, and the cheese is hot and melty.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan Subs are a hearty meal on their own, but they pair well with a variety of side dishes to complete the dining experience. Here are some great options:

• Classic French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy, salty side that complements the sandwich perfectly.
• Garlic Bread – Double down on the garlic and cheese flavors with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread.
• Caesar Salad – The crispiness of romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.
• Roasted Vegetables – A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes adds a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.
• Soup – Pairing it with a light tomato or minestrone soup can make the meal feel more like a comforting Italian feast.

Making Chicken Parmesan Subs Ahead of Time

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can do so with a few simple steps:

• Prep the Chicken: Bread and cook the chicken breasts ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to assemble, reheat them in the oven at 375°F until warm and crispy.
• Make the Sauce in Advance: Homemade marinara sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
• Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep the bread from getting soggy, wait until the last minute to assemble and bake the sandwich.

Conclusion

The Chicken Parmesan Sub is a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings the best of Italian-American flavors into a convenient sandwich form. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even meal prepping ahead of time, this sub is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.