Chicken Parmesan Sub is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, bringing together juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce all tucked into a warm, crusty roll. This mouthwatering sandwich is not only easy to make but also perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. The crispy coating on the chicken combined with the melty mozzarella creates a satisfying crunch and gooey goodness that will leave you craving more. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, making it a must-try for any cooking enthusiast.

Top Reasons to Make Chicken Parmesan Sub

Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of spices and sauces creates a delicious flavor profile that is hard to resist.
Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Chicken Parmesan Subs are excellent for meal prepping; make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.

Ingredient Rundown

4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, pounded to 1 inch thickness) – This is the star of the dish, providing lean protein and a tender texture.
Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging) – Adds a base layer for the breading, helping it to adhere better to the chicken.
2 large eggs – Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs, ensuring a crispy coating.
2 cups panko breadcrumbs – These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide an extra crunch to the coating.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a warm, savory flavor to the breading.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances the overall taste.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings a blend of herbs that are classic in Italian cuisine.
4 tablespoons olive oil – Used for frying, giving a deliciously crisp exterior to the chicken.
4 sub rolls (split lengthwise) – The perfect vehicle for holding all the delicious ingredients together.
1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping) – Adds moisture and rich flavor to the sandwich.
8 slices mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Provides a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Meat mallet or rolling pin: For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
Three shallow bowls: For setting up the dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Large skillet: For frying the chicken to a golden brown perfection.
Oven-safe baking dish: For finishing off the subs in the oven.
Spatula: For flipping the chicken and assembling the subs.

Build Chicken Parmesan Sub Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Dredging Station

In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them until well combined. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly on both sides.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

In an oven-safe baking dish, split the sub rolls lengthwise and place them side by side. Spoon some marinara sauce onto each roll, then place a piece of fried chicken on top. Layer 2 slices of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Subs

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese extra golden, you can broil the subs for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the Chicken Parmesan Subs from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the savory flavors and satisfying textures of this delicious sandwich!

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Chicken Thighs: Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for more flavor and moisture.
Almond Flour: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for dredging to keep it low-carb.
Cheese Crisps: For a crunchier coating, use crushed cheese crisps instead of panko breadcrumbs.
Portobello Mushrooms: Substitute chicken with grilled or breaded portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Things That Go Wrong

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Chicken Parmesan Subs:

Chicken Not Cooked Through: Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly and cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Wet Bread Crumbs: If the breadcrumbs are too wet, they won’t crisp up. Make sure the chicken isn’t overly wet when dredging.
Cheese Not Melting: If the cheese doesn’t melt properly, consider covering the dish with foil during baking to trap moisture and heat.
Soggy Rolls: To prevent sogginess, avoid adding too much marinara sauce before baking; reserve some for dipping.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you want to prepare Chicken Parmesan Subs ahead of time, you can do so by following these tips:

Prep the Chicken: Bread and fry the chicken in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Assemble Before Baking: You can assemble the subs (without baking) and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
Freezing: Cooked subs can be frozen for later. Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Ask the Chef

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that is ideal for this recipe. If you can, stick with panko for the best results.

What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Subs?

These subs pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, baked fries, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The best way to check if the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the Chicken Parmesan Sub suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Make It Tonight

Now that you’ve got the scoop on how to create the perfect Chicken Parmesan Sub, why not gather your ingredients and make this delicious sandwich tonight? With its crispy chicken, melty cheese, and rich marinara, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag your favorite food bloggers for some extra inspiration!

The Chicken Parmesan Sub is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!