Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe

Make this easy Parmesan Sandwich with crispy fried chicken, marinara, and melted cheese layered in toasted ciabatta. A perfect shareable meal for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual gatherings!

This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is what cheesy, saucy dreams are made of. With golden brown crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, and a buttery toasted ciabatta loaf, it’s a shareable twist on the Italian classic that’s made to impress and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food meal, made to share and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving your whole family or looking to impress guests, this sandwich brings together all the best parts of classic chicken parm in a fun and satisfying way.

• Bold, classic flavor: Crispy chicken cutlets, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce bring the traditional Italian restaurant experience to your own kitchen.
• Perfect for sharing: Made on a large ciabatta loaf, this sandwich is designed for slicing and serving family-style.
• Customizable portions: Make it big and bold or easily scale it down into individual chicken parm sandwiches using ciabatta rolls or hoagie rolls.
• Simple and satisfying: With pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, this sandwich recipe is approachable for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor)
• Eggs for an egg wash
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper
• Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying

For the Sandwich:

• One large ciabatta loaf (or substitute with ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, or hoagie rolls)
• Marinara sauce or your favorite quick tomato sauce
• Sliced fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Melted butter mixed with minced garlic

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil or parsley leaves
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Additional pasta sauce for serving

How to Make a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

1. Prep the Chicken

• Butterfly and pound: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Butterfly each one, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound into thin cutlets for even cooking.
• Breading station: In a shallow dish, place flour. In a second bowl, whisk eggs to make an egg mixture. In a third, combine breadcrumbs with parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge: Place chicken into the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press breadcrumbs on firmly for best results.

2. Fry the Chicken

• In a large skillet or large Dutch oven, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F).
• Fry each piece of chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Place cooked chicken on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep warm in a low oven if needed.

3. Toast the Bread

• Cut the ciabatta loaf horizontally using a sharp knife. Hollow out a bit of the soft inside to make room for the filling.
• Mix melted butter with garlic in a small bowl. Brush onto the cut sides.
• Place on a baking sheet and broil until golden and toasty. Don’t walk away—this goes fast!

4. Assemble the Sandwich

• Spread marinara sauce onto the bottom bun of the toasted ciabatta.
• Layer the fried chicken pieces on top of the sauce.
• Spoon extra sauce over the top of the chicken, then add slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
• Broil the open-faced sandwich until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2–4 minutes.

5. Serve

• Top with chopped basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• Close the sandwich with the top bun, press gently, and let it sit for a minute.
• Use a serrated knife to slice into portions and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Use thin cutlets: Thin pieces of chicken cook evenly and crisp up better.
• Dry before dredging: Pat the chicken dry before dipping it to help the coating stick.
• Use a wire rack: Don’t pile fried chicken on paper towels—a wire rack keeps it crisp.
• Control your sauce: Don’t overload the sandwich with marinara sauce. Too much can make it soggy.
• Extra crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to your coating for more texture.

Make It Individual or Family-Style

This recipe is written for one big, family-style Parmesan sandwich. But you can easily scale it down:

• Individual Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches: Use smaller ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, or hoagie rolls. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to fit the bread.
• Parmesan Sub or French Roll Option: Use sub-style rolls or French rolls for a sandwich shop feel.
• Meal prep option: Bread and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Round out your sandwich with a few simple sides:

• Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Marinated Mozzarella Balls
• Garlic bread or buttery toasted buns
• A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables

Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a classic Italian restaurant vibe.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken separately on a sheet tray in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crispy. Then assemble fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken cutlets on a sheet pan, then store in freezer bags. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer.

More Easy Italian-Inspired Recipes

Love this parmesan sandwich recipe? Try these other favorites from Bonappeteach:

• Grilled Branzino
• Burrata Bruschetta
• Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto
• Marinated Mozzarella Balls
• Smoked Meatballs
• Chicken Caesar Garlic Bread

This easy chicken parmigiana-inspired sandwich is a fun twist that feeds a crowd, and it’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or impress your guests with something a little different.