Easy, Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

This is not your average Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, and that's because it starts with our crispy ranch chicken. The ranch powder used to season the meat adds a really nice tang you wouldn't get otherwise. It's almost like the flavors of squeezing a fresh lemon wedge over a crispy piece of schnitzel. It also adds a great onion and herb flavor that helps enhance the simple sandwich. Topped with your favorite marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, you’ll have an easy dinner bound to impress both the adults and kids at the table.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich on a plate with green beans - Southern Living
Photo:

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
ingredients image for chicken parmesan sandwiches

Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 6 (6-oz.) chicken breast cutlets

  • 6 Tbsp. ranch seasoning mix, divided (from 2 [1-oz.] envelopes)

  • 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

  • 1 tsp. black pepper, divided

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 cup canola oil, divided

Sandwiches:

  • 4 ciabatta rolls

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Directions

  1. Flatten chicken cutlets:

    Preheat oven to 200°F. Place each cutlet between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using flat side of a meat mallet, pound each cutlet to an even 1/4-inch thickness.

    making chicken cutlets

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  2. Season chicken:

    Sprinkle cutlets with 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper.

    seasoning chicken cutlets with ranch powder, salt, and pepper

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  3. Make dredging stations:

    Crack eggs into a large shallow bowl; beat until combined. Place flour in a second large shallow bowl. Place panko and remaining 4 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a third large shallow bowl.

    dredging stations for breaded chicken

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  4. Coat chicken cutlets:

    Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg to coat; place in panko mixture, pressing to coat both sides. Transfer cutlets to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

    coating chicken in panko mixture

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  5. Fry chicken cutlets:

    Heat 1/2 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 cutlets; cook until golden brown on each side and a thermometer inserted in center registers 165°F, about 2 minutes per side.

    frying chicken cutlets on a stovetop

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

    Transfer to a baking sheet lined with a wire rack; place in preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat procedure twice with remaining 4 cutlets, adding remaining 1/2 cup oil to skillet as needed. Sprinkle chicken with additional salt to taste.

    fried chicken cutlets

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  6. Prepare sandwiches:

    Preheat oven to broil with rack about 4 inches from heat source. Butter cut sides of ciabatta rolls with butter. Place, buttered side up, on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Place half of 1 Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlet on bottom half of each roll. Top each with 2 fresh mozzarella cheese slices. Broil until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.

    assembling chicken parmesan sandwiches

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

    Spoon marinara sauce evenly over melted cheese; place top half of rolls on top.

    assembling chicken parmesan sandwiches with marinara sauce

    Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Lauren Jewel; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

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