Start by halving the chicken breasts horizontally, creating four thin fillets. Place each fillet between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a mallet. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. First, coat each chicken fillet lightly in flour. Then dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the breaded fillets in the pan, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is a crispy, golden exterior while ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place each fried chicken fillet on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece. Top with a slice of mozzarella (or shredded if preferred). Bake in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
While the chicken bakes, lightly toast the sandwich rolls. You can do this by placing them open-faced in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or using a skillet to achieve a crisp surface. A warm, slightly crunchy roll helps hold the fillings and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
Once everything is hot and ready, it’s time to assemble. Place one cheesy, saucy chicken fillet onto each toasted roll base. Add a few fresh basil leaves for flavor and color. Cover with the top half of the roll and gently press to seal the sandwich.
Serve your chicken parmesan sandwiches warm. These pair beautifully with sides like crispy fries, Caesar salad, or kettle chips. For extra flair, you can drizzle a little extra marinara over the top or add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.