Chicken parmesan sandwich, a classic Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, all sandwiched between a soft bun, is a match made in heaven. However, making a chicken parmesan sandwich from scratch can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are short on time or new to cooking. Fear not, dear readers, for we have got you covered. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious chicken parmesan sandwich with ease.
Understanding the Components of a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the components of a classic chicken parmesan sandwich:
- Breaded and fried chicken breast
- Marinara sauce
- Melted mozzarella cheese
- Soft bun
- Fresh basil leaves
Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect chicken parmesan sandwich. In the following sections, we will explore each component in detail and provide tips on how to prepare them with ease.
Breaded and Fried Chicken Breast: The Star of the Show
The breaded and fried chicken breast is the star of the show in a chicken parmesan sandwich. To make it crispy and delicious, you will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- Olive oil for frying
To prepare the chicken breast, follow these steps:
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dip the chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breast in the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, 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 Making the Perfect Breaded Chicken Breast
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crisper coating.
- Don’t overcoat the chicken breast with breadcrumbs, as this can make it heavy and greasy.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature (350°F) for frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, fry the chicken breast in batches if necessary.
Marinara Sauce: The Tangy and Savory Component
Marinara sauce is a crucial component of a chicken parmesan sandwich, adding a tangy and savory flavor to the dish. To make marinara sauce from scratch, 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 red pepper flakes (optional)
To prepare the 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, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Making the Perfect Marinara Sauce
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Use a slow cooker to simmer the sauce for a longer period, resulting in a richer flavor.
Melted Mozzarella Cheese: The Creamy and Delicious Component
Melted mozzarella cheese is the creamy and delicious component of a chicken parmesan sandwich. To melt the mozzarella cheese, you will need:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To melt the mozzarella cheese, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the fried chicken breast.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese.
- Bake the chicken breast in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Melting the Mozzarella Cheese
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cheese, as this can make it dry and rubbery.
- Use a broiler to melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
Soft Bun: The Foundation of the Sandwich
A soft bun is the foundation of a chicken parmesan sandwich, providing a comfortable base for the other components. To toast the bun, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the bun on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the bun in the preheated oven until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Toasting the Bun
- Use a high-quality bun that is soft and lightly sweetened.
- Don’t overtoast the bun, as this can make it dry and crumbly.
- Use a toaster to toast the bun quickly and evenly.
Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Now that we have prepared all the components, it’s time to assemble the chicken parmesan sandwich. Follow these steps:
- Place the toasted bun on a flat surface.
- Add a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom bun.
- Place the fried chicken breast on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken breast.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese.
- Place the top bun on the sandwich.
Tips for Assembling the Sandwich
- Use a serrated knife to cut the sandwich in half, if desired.
- Serve the sandwich immediately, as the cheese will start to solidify quickly.
- Use a toothpick to hold the sandwich together, if necessary.
Conclusion
Making a chicken parmesan sandwich from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be easy and fun. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and crispy chicken parmesan sandwich that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overcook the chicken or the cheese, and assemble the sandwich with care. With practice, you will become a pro at making chicken parmesan sandwiches, and it will become a staple in your household.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
Here is a summary of the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- Olive oil for frying
- 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 red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 soft buns
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare the breaded and fried chicken breast.
- Prepare the marinara sauce.
- Melt the mozzarella cheese.
- Toast the bun.
- Assemble the sandwich.
Note: You can also use pre-made marinara sauce and pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to make the recipe easier and faster.
What is Chicken Parmesan Sandwich?
A Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of a breaded and fried chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served on a crusty sub roll. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
The origins of the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, as an adaptation of the traditional Italian dish, Parmigiana di Melanzane, which features breaded and fried eggplant instead of chicken.
What are the essential ingredients for making Chicken Parmesan Sandwich?
The essential ingredients for making Chicken Parmesan Sandwich include chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sub rolls. You will also need olive oil for frying the chicken and salt and pepper for seasoning.
Additionally, you may want to have some chopped fresh basil on hand to add a bright and herbaceous note to the dish. You can also customize the sandwich to your taste by adding other toppings, such as sliced ham or pepperoni.
How do I prepare the chicken for breading?
To prepare the chicken for breading, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too thick and difficult to bread.
Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and then dip it in beaten eggs, making sure to coat the chicken completely. Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
What is the best way to fry the breaded chicken?
The best way to fry the breaded chicken is to heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
It’s essential to not overcrowd the skillet, so fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, as this will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and prevent them from falling off.
How do I assemble the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich?
To assemble the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half of the sub roll. Next, add a few slices of melted mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Finally, place the fried chicken breast on top of the cheese, and spoon some additional marinara sauce over the top of the chicken. Finish the sandwich by placing the top half of the sub roll on the chicken.
Can I bake the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich instead of frying. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
While baking is a healthier alternative to frying, it may not produce the same crispy exterior as frying. However, you can still achieve a crispy exterior by broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
How do I store leftover Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches?
To store leftover Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sandwiches for up to 2 months.
When reheating the sandwiches, you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is hot. Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.