What Makes Chicken Parmesan Special?

This iconic dish was brought to America by Italian immigrants in the 1950s and is inspired by the popular Eggplant Parmesan dish from Campania, Sicily. It quickly gained popularity in Italian-American restaurants and has become a beloved staple ever since.

The creativity behind chicken parm sandwiches is endless! You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what’s available or what your taste buds crave. Whether you opt for a homemade sauce or a much-loved store-bought jar, you’re in for a treat.

We recommend using a variety of breads from sliders to hearty Italian rolls. Our personal favorite is a garlic bread roll loaded with aromatic herbs and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s the perfect foundation for your mouthwatering chicken parm sub!

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Subs

1. Homemade baked or fried chicken cutlets, store-bought chicken patties, or chicken tenders
2. Marinara sauce, either homemade or your favorite jarred variety
3. Slices of non-smoked provolone and mozzarella cheese, or any shredded cheeses you prefer
4. Italian rolls, French bread, submarine rolls, ciabatta, or your favorite crusty bread
5. Optional Toppings: olives, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, hot peppers, cooked pepperoni, or any other tasty garnishes

Instructions for Assembling Your Chicken Parmesan Subs

1. Begin by cooking the chicken in the oven, air fryer, or by pan frying, and keep it warm in the oven until you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
2. Take your rolls and split them down the middle.
3. Drizzle the insides of the rolls with olive oil. You can enhance the flavor by rubbing them with fresh garlic or sprinkle with garlic powder. Don’t forget to add some grated cheese and herbs of your choice!
4. Start building your sandwich by placing a slice of cheese on one half of each toasted roll or bread.
5. Layer the cooked chicken atop the cheesy bread, followed by a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
6. Top it off with another slice of cheese to maximize the cheesy goodness.
7. If you like, you can wrap the assembled sub in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for around 10 minutes to heat through.
8. For an open-faced sandwich, place them under the broiler on high for about 2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Once melted, feel free to add any garnishes you desire.

Tips and Creative Combinations

• To create the ultimate sandwich experience, toast your rolls with garlic, grated cheese, and olive oil.
• For a crunchy texture, broil the top of the sandwich until the cheese is crispy.
• Use any pre-cooked chicken you have on hand, whether it’s grilled, rotisserie, or even deli chicken.
• Add crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce for additional flavor and texture.
• If you have leftovers, wrap your sandwich in foil, reheat, and enjoy a hot meal the next day.
• Keep your favorite jarred marinara sauce readily available for fast weeknight meals. Chicken patties, tenders, or even nuggets can work wonderfully!
• Get adventurous with your cheeses! Try using sharp cheddar, pepper jack, swiss, blue cheese crumbles, gouda, or any cheeses you adore.
• Enhance your sub even further with roasted garlic, sautéed onions, or fresh mushrooms.
• Considering adding sausage, sautéed peppers, and onions along with marinara and mozzarella for an entirely different flavor profile.

Other Recipes to Try

• Chicken Francese
• Baked Lemon Chicken Cutlets that taste like fried
• Bundt Pan Roasted Chicken