This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is crispy, juicy, cheesy and delicious. It’s super filling and easy to make!
Chicken Parmesan is usually paired with pasta, but here it’s transformed into a hearty sandwich. Crispy chicken, tangy marinara, melty mozzarella and a sprinkling of parmesan come together on toasted ciabatta rolls for a satisfying meal you can make at home.
Marinara Sauce for Chicken Parmesan
While store-bought marinara works in a pinch, making a simple homemade sauce takes only a little extra time and yields a brighter, fresher flavour. The same ingredients used in the sauce complement the chicken coating and the finished sandwich.
Tomato Passata
The sauce starts with tomato passata — strained, pureed tomatoes that are smooth and slightly thick. Its texture makes it ideal for spreading over crispy chicken without becoming runny.
Simmer & Reduce
Let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes to concentrate the flavour and thicken it. With only a few ingredients, reducing the sauce brings out the sweetness and balance of the tomatoes, garlic and herbs.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Cool the sauce and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze for longer. Reheat gently before using so it spreads easily over the chicken.
Process shots: add onion to oil and fry (photo 1), fry garlic (photo 2), pour in passata and add basil, oregano and s&p (photo 3), stir then simmer & reduce (photo 4).
How to prepare Chicken Parmesan
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can slice each breast in half horizontally or pound them thin. Pounding evens the thickness and tenderizes the meat so the chicken cooks quickly and remains juicy. Aim for roughly 1/2″ thickness.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs give the classic ultra-crispy crust. They are larger and airier than standard breadcrumbs, which helps create a crunchy exterior that holds up under sauce and cheese.
Parmesan Coating
The parmesan flavour comes from mixing grated parmesan into the panko. This adds salty, nutty depth and helps the crust crisp up beautifully while complementing the mozzarella topping.
Process shots: lay cling film over chicken (photo 1), pound until even thickness (photo 2), remove cling film (photo 3), dredge through flour (photo 4), coat in beaten egg (photo 5), coat in panko/parmesan (photo 6).
How to cook Chicken Parmesan
Fried Chicken Parmesan
Shallow frying is quick and produces an excellent crust. Use enough oil to come roughly halfway up the side of the chicken pieces so they brown evenly without deep-frying.
What Oil to use?
Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil. Olive oil can smoke at frying temperatures, so it’s best reserved for finishing or toasting bread.
Can I bake the chicken?
Yes — baking reduces the oil used. The breadcrumbs benefit from a little fat first (see notes), then finish on a wire rack in a hot oven until crisp and cooked through.
Process shots: add breaded chicken to hot oil (photo 1), fry both sides until golden then remove (photo 2).
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
To assemble, place the fried chicken on the toasted ciabatta base, spoon over marinara, top with fresh mozzarella and a light sprinkle of parmesan. Finish under a hot grill or broiler until the cheese is melted and golden, then add basil leaves and the top roll.
What Bread to use?
Choose a large, sturdy roll such as ciabatta. It should be thick enough to hold the chicken and sauce without becoming soggy.
Toast the Bread
Brush the ciabatta with olive oil and toast in a very hot griddle pan or under the grill. Toasting creates a barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking into the bread.
Process shots: toast ciabatta (photo 1), add chicken to half (photo 2), top with sauce (photo 3), top with mozzarella & parmesan and grill/broil (photo 4), sprinkle with fresh basil (photo 5), add second half of roll (photo 6).
Serving Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Leftover marinara makes a great dipping sauce, but it’s optional. Serve with a crisp snack or fries for a complete meal.
What to serve with a chicken parmesan sandwich?
- Crisp/Chip Recommendation: A crunchy chip works well for scooping up extra sauce and adds texture.
- Side Recommendation: Parmesan-coated fries or garlic parmesan fries pair especially well if you want a more indulgent side.
Ready for the full recipe? Follow the detailed instructions and notes below for best results.
How to make a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich (Full Recipe & Video)
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Equipment
-
Large Pan & Wooden Spoon (for marinara sauce)
-
Rolling Pin/Mallet & Cling Film (for pounding chicken)
-
3 Shallow Dishes (for dredging chicken)
-
Tongs (for frying chicken)
-
Small Pot (for chicken seasoning)
-
Large Baking Tray
-
Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
-
Fine Cheese Grater
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce
- 1x 25oz/700g jar of Tomato Passata (pureed/strained tomatoes in US)
- 8 large Basil Leaves, finely diced
- 1 medium White Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- Sugar, Salt & Pepper, to taste
Chicken Sandwich
- 4 large Ciabatta Rolls, halved & toasted (see notes)
- 4x 5oz/150g Chicken Breasts (see notes)
- 1 cup / 250ml Vegetable Oil, or as needed
- 1 1/4cups / 75g Panko Breadcrumbs (see notes)
- 2/3 cup / 50g freshly grated Parmesan, plus 4 sprinkles extra to add at the end
- 1/3 cup / 70g Plain Flour
- 7oz / 200g Fresh Mozzarella, sliced into rounds (pat dry if there’s excess moisture)
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- tiny Basil Leaves, to serve (or more finely diced large leaves)
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 tsp EACH: Salt, Garlic Powder
- 3/4 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
-
Marinara Sauce: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and begins to brown, then add the garlic and fry for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the passata and rinse the jar with a splash of water. Add chopped basil and oregano, plus a pinch of sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
Pound Chicken: Place each breast on a chopping board, cover with cling film and pound with a rolling pin or mallet until even and about 1/2″ thick. Take care not to tear the meat.
-
Chicken Seasoning: Mix 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp garlic powder with 3/4 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
-
Dredge Chicken: Set up three dishes: flour mixed with half the seasoning, beaten eggs, and a panko-parmesan mix with the remaining seasoning. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko-parmesan so the coating adheres well.
-
Fry Chicken (see notes for baking option): Heat about 1 cup (250ml) oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F/180°C (a few breadcrumbs should sizzle on contact). Fry two breasts at a time for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
-
Assemble Sandwich: Place fried chicken on toasted ciabatta bases, spoon over marinara, top with mozzarella and a little parmesan. Place under a hot grill/broiler until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
-
Serve: Scatter fresh basil over the melted cheese, add the top ciabatta halves and serve with extra marinara for dipping if you like.
Quick Demo
Notes
b) Ciabatta – Brush with extra virgin olive oil and toast in a hot griddle pan or under the grill until crisp. Toasting prevents the bread from becoming soggy once sauced.
c) Panko – Panko gives an airy, crisp texture. If you can’t find panko use the largest regular breadcrumbs you can, and weigh them if possible for consistency.
d) Baking option:
- Toast panko in 1 tbsp butter until golden and cool.
- Coat the chicken as directed and place on a wire rack over a baking tray.
- Bake at 425°F/220°C for 10–12 minutes until the crust starts to crisp, flip and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Finish assembling as directed.
e) Calories – Nutrition is calculated per sandwich using reasonable oil absorption estimates.
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
Calories from Fat 337
For another classic Italian sandwich recipe check out Meatball Subs and Sausage and Peppers Sandwich.
For more similar sandwiches check out these beauties:
Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Italian Sausage Grilled Cheese
- Spaghetti Grilled Cheese
- Leftover Bolognese Grilled Cheese
- Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
If you loved this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Leave a comment below!