We’re gonna make a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, so we’ll need some chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and rolls for the sandwich.
The key ingredients are:
Chicken breasts
Breadcrumbs
Eggs
Flour
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Rolls for the sandwich
Preparing the Chicken:
I lay the chicken out on my trusty cutting board, pat them, and gently cover them with plastic wrap. Then I grab my meat mallet and tap-tap-tap, pounding them carefully to make sure they’re tender and even. They end up about half an inch thick, perfect for a hearty sandwich.
This evenness is important – it means no dry edges or undercooked centers. Just perfectly cooked chicken goodness. And as a bonus, this gentle pounding also makes the meat nice and tender for each bite.
Breading the Chicken:
In front of me, I’ve got three bowls. In the first one, I sprinkle some flour with a touch of garlic salt, and pepper.
In the second one, I crack open two eggs and beat them until they’re frothy.
The third bowl is where the magic happens. Here, I mix breadcrumbs with a hearty dose of grated parmesan cheese, giving it a hint of garlic powder.
Now, I take a piece of chicken, coat it lightly in the flour, dip it into the egg, and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to make sure it’s well-coated.
Frying the Chicken:
I’m heating my trusty cast iron skillet over medium heat and adding a good splash of olive oil. Then I turn the heat to medium.
With a steady hand, I lay the breaded chicken into the skillet. I watch as the edges start to turn a delicate golden brown, and the smell of frying breadcrumbs and parmesan fills the air.
After about 4 minutes, it’s time to flip. I gently nudge the chicken with my spatula, and there it is — the perfect golden crust. I let the other side cook, giving it the same attention and care. Once both sides are beautifully bronzed, I transfer the chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This isn’t just about draining excess oil; it’s about keeping that crust crisp.
Assembling the Sandwich:
I’ve got the oven preheated to broil, and I’m all set to put together our sandwich. I place the crispy chicken on a clean baking sheet. Then, I spoon a good amount of marinara sauce over each piece, enjoying the rich tomato smell.
I top it off with thick slices of mozzarella cheese, picturing how gooey and stretchy it will be once heated. Into the oven, it goes, just under the broiler. After a couple of minutes, the cheese is perfectly melted, and I take the baking sheet out of the oven.
My rolls are toasted and ready to go. I place the saucy, cheesy chicken on the bottom half of each roll. If I’m feeling fancy, maybe add some basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor and color.
Tips:
As I’m finishing up making our Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, there are a few important things I always remember. First, it’s really important to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. I use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s safe to eat.
Also, when working with hot oil and the broiler, I pay close attention to avoid getting burned. I keep a close eye on the sandwich when it’s under the broiler, as the cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in just a few seconds.
Lastly, I’m careful about cleaning up. Pouring hot oil down the sink should be avoided because it can harden and cause pipes to become clogged. I let it cool and then dispose of it properly.
The origin of the dish：
The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, or Chicken Parm for short, is a fun twist on the classic Italian dish, Chicken Parmigiana. Originally, Chicken Parmigiana featured breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, served as a main course. But as Italian immigrants settled in America, they adapted their beloved recipes to fit new tastes and ingredients.
The sandwich version was created out of convenience and the love for hearty, portable meals. It quickly became popular, especially in the Northeastern United States where Italian-American communities thrived. The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich became a menu staple, perfect for a filling lunch or casual dinner.
In my experience of cooking, I’ve seen people’s eyes light up when this sandwich is served. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages and remained a favorite over the years. Whether it’s served in an upscale restaurant or at a corner deli, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich stands out as timeless and appealing to everyone.