Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also surprisingly quick to make? Look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe! It takes all the deliciousness of classic Chicken Parmesan and transforms it into a handheld masterpiece, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. This easy recipe is packed with cheesy, juicy chicken, and a tangy marinara sauce, all nestled between two perfectly toasted bread slices. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (Italian or ciabatta work well)
- Olive oil for frying
- Butter or olive oil for toasting bread
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Lightly butter or brush with olive oil both sides of each bread slice.
- Toast the bread in a skillet or toaster until lightly golden.
- Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on both slices of toasted bread.
- Top one slice of bread with a chicken breast, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Place the other slice of bread on top to create the sandwich.
Finishing Touches:
- You can either enjoy the sandwich as is, or you can quickly grill or pan-fry it for a minute or two per side to melt the cheese perfectly and warm it through. This step is optional but highly recommended!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little heat.
- Cheese lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or a blend.
- Veggie boost: Add some fresh basil leaves or sliced tomatoes to your sandwich for extra freshness.
- Make it a meal prep friendly dish: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
This will vary based on ingredients used. This is an estimate using average values. Consult a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis using your specific ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun game-day snack. It's a homemade comfort food classic that's sure to please everyone. Enjoy!