Heavenly Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Recipe: A Cheesy Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and these mouthwatering chicken parmesan sandwiches deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Crispy, golden chicken cutlets draped in marinara sauce create an irresistible sandwich sensation.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned chicken, nestled between soft, toasted rolls.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and burst of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese transforms an ordinary meal into a spectacular dining experience.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a sandwich that will quickly become a family favorite.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute breaded chicken tenders with cutlets, breasts, or even leftover fried chicken for a similar result.

• Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?

No, you can use a conventional oven or toaster oven with similar temperature settings to achieve crispy results.

• What cheese works best for these sandwiches?

Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses also work great for melting and flavor.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat rolls, reduced-fat cheese, and bake instead of air frying to cut down on calories and oil.

What Makes Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Stand Out

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Transform leftover chicken into a mouthwatering sandwich that satisfies cravings in minutes with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Maximize Leftover Magic: Breathe new life into yesterday's chicken by creating a fresh, crispy sandwich that feels like a brand-new meal without starting from scratch.
• Master One-Appliance Cooking: Use your air fryer for every single step, from crisping chicken to toasting bread and melting cheese, making cleanup a breeze and cooking super simple.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Deliver a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with familiar flavors of marinara, cheese, and perfectly crispy chicken.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Chicken Tenders: Breaded and crispy protein that serves as the star of the sandwich.

• Rolls, Bread: Soft base for the sandwich that gets toasted and buttered.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that adds creaminess and rich flavor to the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates a golden, flavorful coating when combined with garlic powder.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the sandwich.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a robust, aromatic seasoning that enhances the butter's flavor.

How to Build Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Step 1: Revive Crispy Chicken

Grab your leftover breaded chicken tenders and pop them into the air fryer.

Crisp them up at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes until they’re golden and extra crunchy.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Whisk together melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Blend until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.

Generously brush this flavorful spread over the cut sides of your sandwich rolls.

Step 3: Toast Bread to Perfection

Place all four bread pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring the cut and buttered sides face upward.

Toast at 350 degrees for 2 minutes until they’re lightly golden and crisp.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Sandwiches

Layer the bottom rolls with marinara sauce, spreading it evenly.

Add the crispy chicken tenders on top.

Sprinkle cheese over the chicken, then drizzle the remaining sauce.

Return to the air fryer and heat for another 2 minutes to melt the cheese and blend the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Close the sandwiches, plate them up while warm, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara in every bite.

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Sandwiches

• Use an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore the chicken's original crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Whisk melted butter with garlic powder for a quick, aromatic spread that adds depth to the sandwich base.
• Air fry bread cut-side up at 350°F for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy texture without burning.
• Spread marinara sauce under and over the chicken to keep the sandwich moist and enhance overall flavor.
• Air fry the assembled sandwich for 2 minutes to create a gooey, melted cheese layer that binds all ingredients together.

Sandwich Variations for Chicken Parm Fans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread rolls and swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes to marinara sauce, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and include fresh basil leaves for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip bread rolls and use large lettuce leaves as wraps, serving with a side of cauliflower rice or mixed green salad.

Ideas for Serving Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Perfect Picnic Partner: Pack these sandwiches in aluminum foil with a small cold pack for an amazing outdoor lunch adventure.
• Flavor Boost Companion: Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves or add a light drizzle of extra marinara sauce right before serving to enhance the sandwich's taste profile.
• Side Dish Magic: Pair with crispy seasoned potato wedges or a light garden salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that complements the rich chicken parmesan flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a chilled pinot grigio or light red wine like chianti to balance the savory sandwich and elevate your dining experience.

Storing Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Properly

• Store leftover chicken parmesan sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm sandwiches in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent soggy bread, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and cheese melts perfectly.
• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month, allowing convenient meal prep for busy days.
• Keep bread and chicken separate when storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the sandwich's original crispy texture when reassembling later.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken parmesan sandwiches deliver Italian-American comfort straight to your plate. Rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and golden-breaded chicken nestled between toasted rolls promise a flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 3–4 leftover breaded chicken tenders

Bread

• 2 ciabatta rolls, halved
• 2 slices provolone cheese

Sauce & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Revive leftover breaded chicken tender to crispy perfection in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
2. Create garlic butter by whisking melted butter with garlic powder until smooth and uniform.
3. Generously brush garlic butter over the interior surfaces of both sandwich rolls.
4. Position bread slices in air fryer basket with buttered sides facing upward, toasting at 350°F for 2 minutes.
5. Spread marinara sauce evenly across bottom bread slices, creating a flavor foundation.
6. Layer crispy chicken tenders atop the sauced bread, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Distribute cheese over chicken, then drizzle remaining marinara sauce to enhance moisture and taste.
8. Return assembled sandwiches to air fryer, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to melt cheese and integrate flavors.
9. Remove from air fryer, close sandwich halves together, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Optimize Crispiness Reheat breaded chicken in an air fryer to maintain its crunchy exterior without making it soggy, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
• Customize Garlic Butter Experiment with fresh minced garlic or herb-infused butter to elevate the sandwich’s flavor profile and add a personal touch.
• Cheese Melt Trick Use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a more complex, gooey cheese layer that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap regular bread with gluten-free options and use plant-based chicken alternatives to make the sandwich suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg