Conquer Takeout Cravings: Homemade Chicken Parm Subs in 35 Minutes
We’ve all been there. You’re staring at the fridge, dinnertime is approaching, and the allure of takeout is strong. But what if you could whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in less time than it takes for delivery? These Chicken Parm Subs are your answer.
Forget greasy takeout containers and inflated prices. This recipe delivers crispy, cheesy chicken parm goodness on toasted garlic bread, all prepared in the comfort of your own kitchen, and in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Faster than Takeout: Skip the delivery wait and indulge in homemade chicken parm subs in 35 minutes flat.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese – what’s not to love?
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal ingredients and a focus on using pre-made items like frozen chicken fillets and garlic bread, this recipe keeps cleanup to a breeze.
- Customizable: Feeling adventurous? Play around with different cheeses, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, or throw in some sauteed vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Chicken Parm Subs:
- For the Chicken:
- Cooking spray
- 4 frozen breaded chicken breast fillets (Look for a brand you trust that uses quality chicken and a crispy breading)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Don’t skimp here! Freshly grated parmesan offers a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded options)
- For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen garlic bread, thawed (Choose a brand you enjoy, there are many delicious options out there!)
- For the Assembly:
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce (Select your favorite brand or a homemade sauce if you have one on hand)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 12 fresh basil leaves, or to taste
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Parm Perfection
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying these delicious subs.
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Chicken: Fire up your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the frozen chicken fillets on the prepared pan.
- Bake the Chicken to Crispy Perfection: Bake the chicken fillets in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This will start to cook them through and crisp up the breading.
- Get Cheesy!: After the initial baking time, remove the chicken from the oven and flip each fillet over. Now comes the cheesy part! Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown and melted.
- Warm Up the Garlic Bread: While the chicken crisps up with its cheesy topping, it’s time to warm the garlic bread. Following the package instructions, thaw the frozen garlic bread according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once thawed, slice the bread into 4 equal portions. Open each piece carefully, placing them on a separate baking sheet with the garlicky side facing up. Pop the garlic bread in the oven for about 5 minutes to warm them through.
Pro Tip: If your garlic bread comes pre-sliced, you can arrange the slices directly on the baking sheet without having to open individual pieces.
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: Now for the fun part – building your sandwiches! Place a crispy, cheesy chicken fillet on each warmed piece of garlic bread. Next, spoon ¼ cup of your favorite marinara sauce on top of the chicken.
- Cheese Glorious Cheese: Drape a slice of provolone cheese over the marinara sauce. Provolone offers a nice balance of creaminess and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Fresh Basil Bliss: Fresh basil adds a lovely pop of flavor and aroma to these subs. Add 3 basil leaves to each sandwich, or more to taste if you’re a basil enthusiast.
- The Final Touches: Carefully close each sandwich with the other half of the garlic bread, forming a delicious handheld masterpiece. Wrap each assembled sub in aluminum foil. This will help trap the heat and ensure the cheese wrap each assembled sub in aluminum foil. This will help trap the heat and ensure the cheese melts evenly. Return the wrapped sandwiches to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
9. Unwrap, Devour, and Enjoy! Carefully remove the foil from the sandwiches (remember, melted cheese can be hot!). Now comes the best part – digging into your homemade Chicken Parm Subs!
Pro Tip: Slice the sandwiches in half for easier handling and presentation, especially if you plan to serve them with sides.
10. Elevate Your Subs (Optional): While this recipe is delicious on its own, there’s always room for customization! Here are some ideas to take your Chicken Parm Subs to the next level:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
- Veggie Power: Saute some sliced mushrooms, peppers, or onions and add them to the sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Cheese Symphony: Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella is a classic choice, or try a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Sidekicks: Pair your Chicken Parm Subs with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite potato dish for a complete and satisfying meal.
11. Leftovers? No Problem! These Chicken Parm Subs can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day. Store them wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
12. The Verdict: Skip the takeout menus and give these Chicken Parm Subs a try. They’re quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite. With crispy chicken, melty cheese, tangy marinara, and all the flavors of delicious garlic bread, these homemade subs are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
So ditch the delivery wait and the inflated prices. With this recipe, you can create restaurant-quality Chicken Parm Subs in the comfort of your own kitchen, in about 35 minutes. Now that’s something to celebrate!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 619 | Calories |
| 33g | Fat |
| 57g | Carbs |
| 24g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 619 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 33g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat 13g | 67% |
| Cholesterol 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium 1443mg | 63% |
| Total Carbohydrate 57g | 21% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 24g | 47% |
| Vitamin C 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium 371mg | 29% |
| Iron 4mg | 24% |
| Potassium 427mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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