Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Crispy breaded chicken tenders are layered on a butter-grilled roll with homemade marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, then broiled until the cheese melts and turns golden. This chicken parmesan sandwich delivers classic chicken parmesan flavors in a hearty handheld sandwich.
Servings 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 medium garlic clove pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 semi-hard rolls sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 4 breaded chicken tenders cooked
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar until fully incorporated.
- Spread butter evenly on the cut sides of the sandwich rolls so they toast evenly.
- Place the rolls cut-side down on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat and cook until golden and lightly crisp.
- Place the toasted bottom halves of the rolls on a broiler-safe skillet. Add the chicken tenders, spoon marinara over the chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Finish with dried parsley.
- Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until the cheese melts and begins to turn golden. Top with the remaining halves of the rolls and serve with extra marinara on the side.
Notes
- Choose quality crushed tomatoes: The flavor of the marinara depends heavily on the tomatoes, so select a good-quality brand with balanced acidity and natural tomato flavor.
- Add the balsamic vinegar at the end: A small amount deepens the tomato flavor and gives the marinara a subtle richness that sets it apart from a standard sauce.
- Use sturdy sandwich rolls: Rolls with a slightly firm crust and soft interior hold the chicken, sauce, and melted cheese better than very soft bread.
- Watch the sandwiches closely while broiling: Cheese can brown quickly under the broiler, so remove the sandwiches once the cheese melts and begins to turn golden.
- Serve extra marinara on the side: Offering additional sauce for dipping keeps the sandwiches properly saucy without needing to overload the filling.
