Chicken Parmigiana Sandwiches
Juicy chicken cutlets topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, layered in toasted rolls with flavorful tomato sauce, creating a satisfying Italian-inspired sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- pinch red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry ⓘ
- 4 (3 oz.) chicken cutlets ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 1/4 ounces part-skim Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 4 hard rolls
- bibb lettuce, cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano for garnish (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler and line a broiler pan with foil.
- In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth and sherry to a boil.
- Add the chicken cutlets, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- While the chicken cooks, place the toasted rolls on a baking sheet.
- Spoon some of the tomato sauce mixture onto each roll bottom.
- Place a cooked chicken cutlet on top of the sauce.
- Top each with a slice of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and oregano if desired, then cover with the roll tops and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce. If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken cutlets instead of cooking raw ones. To enhance the dish, experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina. You can also swap the hard rolls for ciabatta or baguette for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken parmigiana sandwiches pair beautifully with a side of crispy Italian salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving them alongside some Simple Pasta for a hearty dinner. For a casual gathering, serve with a selection of chips or fries for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring the bread remains crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep the roll from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Parmigiana Sandwiches contains roughly 277 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to assemble the sandwiches, just reheat it on the stove. This can save time and enhance the flavors.
What can I use instead of chicken cutlets?
If you don’t have chicken cutlets, you can easily substitute with chicken breasts sliced thinly or even turkey cutlets. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through, which is usually around 6-7 minutes per side.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with eggplant cutlets or portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as necessary to ensure they are tender and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).