Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won't be quite as crispy, but it's still delicious and requires less hands-on time and cleanup.

How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?

Toasting the bread creates a barrier against moisture. Also, make sure your chicken is well-drained after frying, and don't go overboard with the sauce inside the sandwich. Serving extra sauce on the side for dipping is always a good strategy.

What's the best bread to use if I can't find hoagie rolls?

Any sturdy bread with a bit of crust works well. French bread, ciabatta rolls, or even split garlic bread all make excellent alternatives. Avoid very soft bread that will collapse under the weight of the fillings.

Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Yes! While the texture won't be the same as freshly breaded and fried chicken, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips or even rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Just layer the chicken in the roll, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until everything is hot and the cheese is melted.

Chicken Parmesan Subs Recipe

This incredible Chicken Parmesan Subs recipe transforms the classic Italian dish into a handheld delight that’s sure to become your new favorite sandwich. Crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken cutlets nestled in garlic butter-brushed hoagie rolls, smothered with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese – it’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together with surprising ease. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: These subs deliver that perfect combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese that rivals any restaurant version.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from picky kids to discerning adults will devour these subs. They’re impossible to resist!
Versatile: Easily customizable to suit different tastes and what you have on hand in your pantry.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make components ahead of time for even quicker assembly when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken cutlets: The star of the show! They cook quickly and evenly. If you can’t find cutlets, butterfly regular chicken breasts and pound them thin.
Flour: Creates the first layer of the breading station, helping the egg wash stick to the chicken.
Seasonings (garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper): These add depth of flavor to every bite of chicken.
Eggs: Act as the glue that holds the breading to the chicken. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to ultra-crispy chicken! Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but panko delivers that restaurant-quality crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to both the chicken breading and the garlic butter spread.
Italian seasoning: Infuses everything with classic Italian herb flavor.
Hoagie rolls: Look for rolls with a slightly crusty exterior and soft interior. They should be sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.
Butter: Creates that irresistible garlic bread base. Use the real thing here!
Marinara sauce: The tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken and cheese. Use a good quality jar sauce or homemade if you have it.
Mozzarella cheese: Gets gorgeously melty and creates those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Proteins

Swap the chicken for eggplant slices, portobello mushrooms, or even thinly pounded pork cutlets.

Cheese Options

Try provolone for a more pronounced flavor, or mix in some fontina or asiago with the mozzarella for complexity.

Sauce Switchups

Use vodka sauce for a creamy twist, arrabbiata for some heat, or pesto mixed with a little marinara for a flavor revolution.

Bread Alternatives

Try ciabatta rolls for a rustic approach, or garlic bread for an extra indulgent experience.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Subs

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three separate bowls: one with seasoned flour (all-purpose flour, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper), another with beaten eggs and a splash of water, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan and Italian seasoning. Having everything lined up makes the breading process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken cutlet through the three-step breading process: first dredge in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Place the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate briefly, then move to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

Step 4: Prepare the Rolls

While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the hoagie rolls lengthwise, not all the way through. Mix softened butter with parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then spread generously on the inside of each roll. Toast the rolls in the oven for 3 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread marinara sauce on both sides of each roll. Sprinkle half the mozzarella on the bottom half, add the crispy chicken, more sauce, and the remaining cheese. Close the sandwich as best you can. Wrap each sub loosely in lightly greased foil and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and everything is heated through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Double-Bread for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps twice.
Oil Temperature Matters: Keep your oil between 350-375°F. Too cool, and the chicken absorbs oil and gets greasy; too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Rest Your Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack rather than a plate to keep the breading crisp on all sides.
Toast Thoroughly: Don’t skip toasting the rolls – it creates a moisture barrier that prevents them from getting soggy from the sauce.
Cheese Placement Strategy: Put cheese both under and over the chicken to create the perfect sandwich structure that holds together.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a side of extra warm marinara sauce for dipping, a crisp green salad with Italian dressing, or some garlic-parmesan fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Make It a Meal

Set up a build-your-own sub bar for casual entertaining with different toppings like roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or fresh basil leaves.

Beverage Suggestions

These subs pair beautifully with a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti, a cold craft beer, or a sparkling Italian soda for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap assembled but not yet baked subs tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded, cooked chicken cutlets separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake your subs. The assembled subs can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, unwrap the sub and place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it will make the bread soggy and the chicken less crispy.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won’t be quite as crispy, but it’s still delicious and requires less hands-on time and cleanup.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?

Toasting the bread creates a barrier against moisture. Also, make sure your chicken is well-drained after frying, and don’t go overboard with the sauce inside the sandwich. Serving extra sauce on the side for dipping is always a good strategy.
What’s the best bread to use if I can’t find hoagie rolls?

Any sturdy bread with a bit of crust works well. French bread, ciabatta rolls, or even split garlic bread all make excellent alternatives. Avoid very soft bread that will collapse under the weight of the fillings.
Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Yes! While the texture won’t be the same as freshly breaded and fried chicken, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips or even rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Just layer the chicken in the roll, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until everything is hot and the cheese is melted.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Parmesan Subs bring together everything we love about the classic Italian dish in an irresistible handheld format. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or anytime you need a comforting meal that feels special without hours of preparation. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and melty cheese, all nestled in a garlic-buttered roll, creates something truly magical that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give these subs a try – I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!