Chicken Parmesan Subs

What Makes These Subs So Good?

These chicken Parmesan sub sandwiches don't stop at breaded chicken, marinara, and mozzarella. Every layer brings something extra to the sandwich.

The chicken cutlets are coated in a crispy Parmesan-panko breading and cooked in the air fryer until golden. Meanwhile, the rolls are spread with homemade garlic-Parmesan butter and toasted under the broiler before the sauce ever goes on.

Then comes plenty of marinara and two layers of mozzarella, one underneath the chicken and another melted over the top. That means you get sauce and gooey cheese throughout the sandwich rather than only sitting on top of the chicken.

Finish everything with a quick rest wrapped in foil and you've got hot, cheesy garlic Parmesan chicken sandwiches that taste like they came straight from your favorite neighborhood Italian sandwich shop.

Ingredients and Their Role in the Sub

These chicken Parmesan sandwiches are made in three parts: crispy Parmesan chicken cutlets, homemade garlic butter, and all the saucy, cheesy ingredients that bring the sandwiches together. This is what you'll need:

For the Parmesan chicken:

• Chicken breasts - Boneless, skinless breasts sliced in half horizontally create the perfect portion for each sub. Chicken cutlets can also be used.
• Parmesan cheese - Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps the coating turn golden and crispy.
• Panko - Creates a light, extra-crispy coating on the chicken.
• Flour - Helps the egg stick to the chicken for an even coating.
• Egg - Helps the Parmesan-panko mixture stick to the chicken.

For subs:

• Sub rolls - Sturdy bread that holds all the saucy, cheesy filling together. Hoagie rolls or ciabatta work well too.
• Air Fried Chicken Cutlets - Crispy, juicy chicken makes the hearty base of the sandwich.
• Marinara - Adds rich tomato flavor and classic Italian flair.
• Mozzarella - Melts over the chicken for plenty of gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Butter - Adds rich flavor and helps create the garlic-butter topping.
• Parmesan cheese - Adds a salty, savory bite to the topping with extra cheesy flavor.
• Garlic powder & Italian seasoning - Give the garlic butter plenty of bold, herby Italian flavor.

Best Bread for Chicken Parmesan Subs

A good chicken Parmesan sandwich needs bread that's sturdy enough to hold plenty of sauce, chicken, and cheese but still easy to bite into.

Medium sub rolls or hoagie rolls are ideal. Ciabatta rolls or sturdy Italian rolls also work well. Avoid rolls that are extremely soft and flimsy because they can become soggy quickly, as well as very hard, crusty bread that makes the finished sandwich difficult to eat.

Toasting the cut sides with garlic-Parmesan butter before adding the marinara gives the bread more structure and helps it stand up to all that sauce.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Subs

Making chicken Parmesan subs is easy with the help of an air fryer and your oven broiler. You get all the crispy, cheesy goodness of a Parmesan chicken in a hearty handheld meal without having to deep-fry anything. Here's what to do:

Steps to prepare chicken for sandwich:

Preheat air fryer to 360°F.

1. Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally in half to make 4 thinner pieces. To save time. you can also opt to purchase frozen breaded chicken breasts or tenders and cook until crisp.
2. Make an assembly line - a wide-mouthed bowl flour, a bowl of whisked egg mixed with a tablespoon of water, and a flat plate of panko mixed with parmesan cheese. Dredge chicken breast with flour.
3. Dip into whisked egg.
4. Place on panko-cheese mixture and pat some into each side.
5. Spray basket of air fryer with cooking spray. Place breaded chicken on bottom of basket. Spray tops of chicken with cooking spray.
6. Air fry for 12 minutes. Set aside.

Chef's Tip: Use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour and panko) and the other for dipping the chicken into the egg. This keeps the breading process easier and much less messy.

Steps to whip up Garlic Parmesan Butter:

1. Place soft butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
2. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

How to assemble this hearty sub:

Turn broiler to high placing rack about 8" from heat source. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

1. Cut rolls lengthwise, cutting almost all the way through. Separate them slightly so they stay open. Spread the garlic butter mixture on both the top and the bottom cut sides of the bread.
2. Place under boiler for 1-3 minutes or until it gets nicely toasted.
3. Remove from the oven and spread 2 tablespoons marinara on both cut sides of the roll.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of the rolls, dividing evenly between the 4 subs.

5. Place a cooked breaded chicken breast on top of the cheese.
6. Sprinkle another 2 tablespoons marinara on the top of each breast.
7. Top each chicken breast with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Place back under the broiler for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is browning and bubbly.

9. Remove from oven, close each sub and wrap it in foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Let it sit for no longer than 5 minutes as you don't want a soggy bun. This step softens the toasted roll and helps the bread settle around the chicken, melted cheese, and marinara making it easier to eat.

Why Wrap the Subs in Foil After Broiling?

That five-minute rest in foil may seem like an extra step, but it gives these chicken parm subs their finishing touch.

Wrapping the hot sandwiches traps a little steam, which gently softens the toasted roll and helps the bread settle around the chicken, melted cheese, and marinara. Instead of having separate layers that slide apart as soon as you take a bite, the sandwich becomes more cohesive and easier to eat.

The key is the short resting time. You want to soften the toasted bread slightly without letting it steam so long that it becomes soggy.

Recipe Tips for Success

Chicken Parmesan sandwiches aren't difficult to make, but these tips will help you get crispy chicken, perfectly toasted bread, and plenty of melty cheese every time.

• Halve the chicken horizontally or pound the chicken evenly - If you're starting with whole chicken breasts, make the cutlets an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Don't skip the flour - Flour gives the egg something to cling to and helps keep the crispy coating attached.
• Press on the panko coating - Gently pressing the Parmesan-panko mixture onto the chicken helps it stay in place during air frying.
• Spray the basket and chicken - A light coating of cooking spray helps the breading brown and crisp.
• Don't crowd the air fryer - Leave room around the chicken so hot air can circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the internal temperature - Air fryers and chicken thicknesses vary, so use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Warm the marinara - Starting with warm sauce keeps the chicken and finished sandwiches nice and hot.
• Toast the bread before adding sauce - Toasting gives the rolls more structure and helps prevent the marinara from immediately soaking into them.
• Watch the broiler closely - Both the bread and cheese can brown quickly under high heat.
• Put cheese under the chicken - Don't save all the mozzarella for the top. That bottom layer gives you melty cheese throughout the sandwich.
• Don't use too much sauce - There's plenty of marinara in these sandwiches, but overloading them can make the bread soggy. Serve extra on the side for dipping.
• Don't skip the foil rest - A few minutes wrapped in foil helps all those delicious layers settle together.

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

It's easy to put your own spin on these Parmesan chicken sandwiches. Change the cheese, sauce, bread, or even the main filling depending on what you're craving.

• Spicy - Use spicy arrabbiata sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the marinara.
• Extra Cheesy - Add sliced provolone along with the mozzarella for another layer of melty cheese.
• Fresh Mozzarella - Use thinly sliced fresh mozzarella instead of shredded. Pat it dry first to keep excess moisture out of the sandwich.
• Fresh Basil - Add fresh basil leaves just before closing the sandwiches for a pop of fresh Italian flavor.
• Eggplant Parmesan - Replace the chicken with crispy breaded eggplant for an eggplant Parmesan sub.
• Shortcut Chicken - Prepare good-quality frozen breaded chicken cutlets according to the package directions and use them in place of homemade Parmesan chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Chicken Parmesan sandwiches are hearty enough to be the star of the meal, so the sides can be as simple as chips or a salad. Add a hot side when you're serving them for dinner or keep things casual for lunch.

• French Fries - Hot, crispy fries are a classic pairing with a hearty sub.
• Sweet Potato Fries - Their slightly sweet flavor is a nice contrast to the savory chicken, marinara, and cheese.
• Potato Chips - Keep lunch quick and easy with a handful of crunchy chips.
• Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine and tangy Caesar dressing add freshness alongside the rich sandwich.
• Italian Salad - Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and Italian dressing make a light and colorful side.
• Roasted Vegetables - Broccoli, zucchini, green beans, or your favorite roasted vegetables turn the subs into a complete dinner.
• Pasta Salad - A chilled pasta salad is perfect for a casual lunch or family dinner.
• Soup - Vegetable or tomato soup pairs nicely with the cheesy, saucy sandwiches.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

For the best results, store leftover chicken and the other sandwich components separately whenever possible. This keeps the bread from absorbing the marinara while it sits.

Storing the chicken: Let leftover Parmesan chicken cutlets cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Storing assembled subs: If you've already assembled the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They're best enjoyed within a day or two because the bread will continue to soften as it absorbs the sauce.

Freezing: For the best texture, freeze the cooked Parmesan chicken cutlets rather than fully assembled sandwiches. Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling fresh sandwiches.

Reheating the chicken: Reheat Parmesan chicken cutlets in the air fryer until hot and crisp, then assemble the sandwiches with freshly toasted rolls, warm marinara, and cheese.

Reheating an assembled sub: Warm a leftover sandwich in the oven or air fryer until heated through. These methods will give you better results than the microwave, which tends to make the bread and breading softer.

More Delicious Sandwich Recipes

A great sandwich makes lunch or dinner easy, whether you're in the mood for something crispy, cheesy, meaty, or loaded with your favorite fillings. Here are a few more delicious sandwiches to add to your meal plan.

• Air Fryer Monte Cristo - A crispy air-fried sandwich filled with ham, turkey, and plenty of melty cheese.
• Chopped Italian Sandwich - An Italian deli-inspired sandwich packed with meats, cheese, vegetables, and plenty of bold flavor.
• Gourmet Grilled Cheese - A grown-up take on classic grilled cheese that's crispy, buttery, and loaded with gooey cheese.
• Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches - Tender slow-cooked beef piled onto rolls and served with savory au jus for dipping.
• Tuna Melt - Creamy tuna, spinach, and melty Gruyère tucked between bread with a crispy Parmesan crust.

Find lots of easy sandwich recipes here on 2CM!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chicken Parmesan sub?

A chicken Parmesan sub is a hot sandwich made with breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese served on a long sandwich roll. This version adds even more flavor by coating the chicken with Parmesan and panko and spreading the rolls with homemade garlic-Parmesan butter.

What kind of chicken should I use for chicken Parmesan sandwiches?

Thin chicken breast cutlets work best because they cook quickly and fit nicely inside the rolls. You can buy prepared chicken cutlets or slice boneless chicken breasts horizontally and pound them to an even thickness.

How thin should chicken cutlets be?

The most important thing is that the cutlets are relatively thin and an even thickness from end to end. This helps them cook quickly and evenly and makes the finished sandwich easier to eat.

How do I know when the Parmesan chicken is done?

The breading should be golden and crisp, and the thickest part of the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

What bread is best for chicken parm subs?

Medium sub rolls, hoagie rolls, ciabatta rolls, and sturdy Italian rolls are all good choices. Look for bread that's sturdy enough to hold marinara and chicken but still soft enough to bite through comfortably.

What cheese goes on a chicken Parmesan sandwich?

Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the marinara and Parmesan. Provolone is also delicious, either on its own or combined with mozzarella.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Absolutely. Your favorite jarred marinara is a great shortcut and makes these sandwiches much easier to prepare on a busy day. Just warm the sauce before assembling the subs.

Can I use frozen breaded chicken?

Yes. Good-quality frozen breaded chicken cutlets are an easy shortcut. Prepare them according to the package directions, making sure they're fully cooked, then use them to assemble the sandwiches as directed.

Can I make chicken Parmesan subs ahead of time?

It's better to prepare the individual components ahead rather than fully assemble the sandwiches. Cook the chicken cutlets and make the garlic butter in advance, then refrigerate them separately. When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken and assemble and broil the sandwiches.

How do you keep a chicken Parmesan sandwich from getting soggy?

Toast the rolls before adding the marinara, avoid using an excessive amount of sauce, and assemble the sandwiches shortly before serving. Keeping the components separate when meal prepping also helps preserve the bread's texture.

Can you freeze chicken Parmesan subs?

You can, but you'll get better results by freezing the cooked breaded chicken separately. Marinara can soak into the bread during freezing and thawing, leaving an assembled sandwich softer than when freshly made.

How do you reheat a chicken Parmesan sandwich?

For an already assembled sandwich, reheat it in the oven or air fryer until the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted. If you've stored the components separately, reheat the chicken in the air fryer to restore its crisp coating, then assemble the sandwich with freshly toasted bread, warm marinara, and mozzarella.