The chicken parm sandwich is a classic Italian-American dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and rich flavors. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of a breaded and fried chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served on a crusty sub roll. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect chicken parm sandwich.
Understanding the Components of a Chicken Parm Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the components that make up a great chicken parm sandwich. The key elements include:
- Breaded and fried chicken breast
- Marinara sauce
- Melted mozzarella cheese
- Crusty sub roll
Each component plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced and delicious sandwich. In the following sections, we will explore each component in detail and provide tips on how to prepare them.
Preparing the Chicken Breast
The chicken breast is the star of the show in a chicken parm sandwich. To prepare the chicken breast, you will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil for frying
To prepare the chicken breast, follow these steps:
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip the chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides evenly.
- Dip the floured chicken breast in the beaten eggs, making sure to coat completely.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken breast until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried chicken breast to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Tips for Frying the Chicken Breast
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken breast. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken breast one or two at a time, depending on the size of your skillet.
- Do not press down on the chicken breast with your spatula while it’s frying. This can cause the breadcrumbs to fall off.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a crucial component of a chicken parm sandwich. You can use store-bought marinara sauce, but making your own from scratch is easy and rewarding. To make marinara sauce, you will need:
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
To make marinara sauce, follow these steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Making Marinara Sauce
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the sauce. Marinara sauce should be bright and tangy, not thick and rich.
- You can make marinara sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Assembling the Chicken Parm Sandwich
Now that we have prepared the chicken breast and marinara sauce, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. To assemble the sandwich, you will need:
- 4 crusty sub rolls
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
To assemble the sandwich, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Place a fried chicken breast on each sub roll half.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken breast.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the sandwich in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sandwich from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
Tips for Assembling the Sandwich
- Use a high-quality sub roll that can hold up to the filling.
- Do not overdo it with the marinara sauce. You want a good balance of sauce and cheese.
- Fresh basil leaves add a bright and refreshing flavor to the sandwich. Do not skip this step!
Conclusion
Making the perfect chicken parm sandwich requires attention to detail and a bit of practice. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian-American dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, do not overcook the chicken breast, and balance the flavors in the sandwich. With a little patience and practice, you can become a master of the chicken parm sandwich.
Variations and Tips
- To add some spice to your chicken parm sandwich, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken breast before frying.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add some sautéed spinach or broccoli to the sandwich for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use a panini press to compress the sandwich and melt the cheese evenly.
By following these tips and variations, you can take your chicken parm sandwich to the next level and create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
What is the secret to making the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich?
The secret to making the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich lies in the combination of crispy, juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. To achieve this, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh breadcrumbs, flavorful marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Additionally, the cooking technique plays a crucial role in making the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich. The chicken should be breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy, then baked in the oven with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted, and the sauce is heated through.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use for breading the chicken?
For breading the chicken, it’s best to use Panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are made from crustless white bread and have a larger, flakier texture that helps to create a crispy exterior on the chicken.
You can also use regular breadcrumbs, but Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their lighter and crisper texture. It’s also essential to season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to add flavor to the chicken.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?
To prevent the breading from falling off the chicken, it’s essential to use a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The flour helps to create a dry surface for the eggs to adhere to, while the eggs help to bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Additionally, it’s crucial to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick. You can also chill the breaded chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the breadcrumbs before frying.
What type of cheese should I use for the chicken parmesan sandwich?
For the chicken parmesan sandwich, it’s best to use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Mozzarella cheese has a high melting point, which makes it perfect for melting and browning in the oven. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sandwich.
You can also use other types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, but mozzarella and parmesan are the classic choices for a chicken parmesan sandwich.
How do I assemble the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich?
To assemble the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich, start by placing a slice of breaded and fried chicken on the bottom half of a sub roll. Then, spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Finally, place the top half of the sub roll on the sandwich and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add some chopped parsley or basil for garnish.
Can I make the chicken parmesan sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken parmesan sandwich ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before baking. You can bread and fry the chicken, prepare the marinara sauce, and shred the mozzarella cheese ahead of time.
However, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before baking to ensure that the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also refrigerate or freeze the breaded chicken for later use.
How do I serve the chicken parmesan sandwich?
The chicken parmesan sandwich can be served on its own or with a side of pasta, garlic knots, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Additionally, you can customize the sandwich to your liking by adding some chopped ham, pepperoni, or sautéed spinach. The chicken parmesan sandwich is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.