This Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmesan Sandwich brings the iconic flavors of chicken parmesan to a sandwich, featuring crispy breaded chicken, creamy vodka sauce, and melted mozzarella, all stacked on a toasted baguette. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy-to-make sandwich is a delicious way to enjoy the classic comfort food in a fun new format.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced in half lengthwise

• ½ cup flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2 cups cooking olive oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich:

• 1-2 baguettes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup Botticelli vodka pasta sauce

• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 balls fresh mozzarella ovoline, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup grated parmesan

Directions

1. Make the Crispy Chicken:

   • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and place in a ziplock bag. Press out the air and seal, then use a kitchen mallet to pound the chicken to about ¼” thickness.

   • Set up a breading station with 3 bowls: one with flour, garlic powder, pepper, and salt; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs.

   • Dredge each chicken piece through the flour mixture, dip in the egg, and coat with the breadcrumbs.

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Place on a paper towel-lined wire rack and keep warm in the oven at 250°F.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Slice the baguettes in half lengthwise and drizzle with olive oil. Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes until golden.

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the crispy chicken on a parchment-lined baking pan, spread vodka sauce on top, and add thin slices of mozzarella.

   • Bake for 5-8 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted.

3. Finish the Sandwich:

   • Place the baked chicken on the toasted baguette halves. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrients (Estimated per sandwich, makes 4 servings)

• Calories: ~500 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~40g

• Protein: ~40g

• Fat: ~25g

• Saturated Fat: ~8g

• Fiber: ~3g

The Iconic Flavors of Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that has won the hearts of food lovers around the world. The combination of crispy, breaded chicken cutlets, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella creates a comforting, satisfying meal that’s beloved by many. Whether served over pasta, as a standalone dish, or in a sub sandwich, chicken parmesan is a timeless comfort food.

In this recipe, the classic flavors of chicken parmesan are taken to a new level by swapping the usual marinara sauce with rich and creamy vodka sauce. The vodka sauce adds depth, creaminess, and a slight tang, making it the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. The mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, flavorful topping, and the fresh parsley and parmesan bring a burst of freshness and a savory finish. This sandwich elevates the beloved chicken parmesan, giving it a fun, handheld twist that’s perfect for casual meals or entertaining.

The Crispy Chicken: A Key Component

At the heart of this sandwich is the crispy breaded chicken. Achieving the perfect crispy chicken cutlet is essential to creating the ideal Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. The chicken breasts are sliced in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. A kitchen mallet is used to tenderize the chicken, which helps it cook to perfection and stay moist inside while crisping up outside.

The breading process involves a simple dredging system, where the chicken is first dipped in seasoned flour, then coated with beaten eggs, and finally covered with panko breadcrumbs. The panko breadcrumbs are key to creating that irresistible crunch, providing a light, airy coating that fries up beautifully. The result is crispy, golden-brown chicken that offers the perfect contrast to the creamy vodka sauce and melted cheese.

Frying the chicken in olive oil allows it to get extra crispy and flavorful, and keeping the cooked chicken warm in the oven ensures it stays crisp until it’s ready to be assembled. The fried chicken cutlets are the perfect base for the rich sauce and melted cheese, adding texture and depth to the sandwich.

The Creamy Vodka Sauce

While marinara sauce is the traditional choice for chicken parmesan, vodka sauce brings a wonderful richness and complexity to this sandwich. The addition of vodka adds a slight sharpness, which balances out the creaminess of the sauce, creating a depth of flavor that enhances the crispy chicken.

The vodka sauce in this recipe is simple yet flavorful. Botticelli vodka pasta sauce is used as a base, offering a smooth, creamy texture with just the right amount of tang. The sauce is spread generously over the chicken, and when baked, it melts beautifully into the chicken, infusing each bite with its deliciously creamy goodness. The vodka sauce also helps to bind the sandwich together, giving it the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: The Ultimate Cheese Combo

What is chicken parmesan without the cheese? The combination of mozzarella and parmesan is what makes this sandwich so indulgent and delicious. The fresh mozzarella is sliced thinly and placed on top of the vodka sauce-covered chicken, and when baked, it melts into a gooey, cheesy layer that perfectly complements the crispy chicken and rich sauce.

The mozzarella cheese provides that stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes chicken parmesan so satisfying. But it’s the parmesan cheese that adds the finishing touch—its nutty, savory flavor enhances the overall flavor profile of the sandwich and adds a delightful sharpness. A sprinkle of grated parmesan on top of the sandwich before serving ensures that the cheese flavor is present in every bite.

The Toasted Baguette: The Perfect Base

A key part of what makes this sandwich so special is the bread. A thick, crusty baguette is the perfect vehicle for holding all the delicious components together. The baguette provides the ideal balance of crunch and softness—crispy on the outside with a chewy, airy interior that soaks up just the right amount of sauce without becoming soggy.

Before assembling the sandwich, the baguette is sliced in half and drizzled with olive oil before being broiled. This step ensures that the bread becomes golden and crispy, providing the perfect foundation for the crispy chicken, melted cheese, and vodka sauce. The toasted baguette adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the sandwich, making it even more satisfying.

Assembling the Sandwich

Assembling the Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is the easy part. After the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, the sandwich comes together in just a few simple steps. Place the crispy chicken on the toasted baguette halves, generously spoon the vodka sauce on top, and layer with fresh mozzarella. A quick bake in the oven melts the cheese to perfection, ensuring a gooey, flavorful filling. Once baked, sprinkle the sandwich with fresh parsley and parmesan, adding a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serving the Sandwich

Once assembled, the sandwich is ready to be served. The crispy chicken, creamy vodka sauce, and gooey mozzarella come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress.

This sandwich is also great for meal prep—prepare the components ahead of time, and when you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and bake. The result is a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days when you crave something hearty and comforting.

Conclusion: A Delicious Twist on Chicken Parmesan

The Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a perfect reinvention of a beloved classic. With crispy breaded chicken, creamy vodka sauce, melted mozzarella, and a toasted baguette, this sandwich brings all the flavors of chicken parmesan into a fun, handheld format. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion and a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in a new and exciting way.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy at home or a dish to impress friends and family, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. With its rich sauce, crispy chicken, and gooey cheese, the Vodka Sauce Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a delicious twist on a classic that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.