Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Sub: A Deliciously Cheesy & Easy Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food dish loved by many. But what if you could elevate this already delicious meal into a satisfying and portable sub sandwich? This recipe for a Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Sub takes all the familiar flavors of the traditional dish – crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella – and combines them in a delightful and easy-to-eat format. The real magic happens when we stuff the chicken breasts with a flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese, parmesan, herbs, and garlic before breading and frying. This adds an extra layer of creamy, savory goodness to every bite, making it a truly unforgettable meal.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a game-day gathering. It’s relatively simple to make, requiring only readily available ingredients. Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to tailor it to your own personal preferences. Want to add a little spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling. Prefer provolone cheese over mozzarella? Go for it! The possibilities are endless.

## Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Sub Recipe

* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of crispy chicken, savory ricotta filling, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** While it might seem intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, herbs, or spices.
* **Perfect for any occasion:** Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
* **Portable:** The sub format makes it easy to eat on the go.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **For the Stuffed Chicken:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Sub Assembly:**
* 4 sub rolls (about 6-8 inches long)
* 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 8 slices mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Mixing bowls
* Shallow dishes for breading
* Large skillet
* Tongs
* Baking sheet
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe can be broken down into three main parts: preparing the stuffed chicken, frying the chicken, and assembling the subs. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a delicious and successful outcome.

**Part 1: Preparing the Stuffed Chicken**

1. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts:** Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. You want to create a pouch that you can stuff with the ricotta mixture.

*Tip: If you’re having trouble slicing the chicken breasts evenly, you can place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet to flatten them slightly. This will make them easier to slice and stuff.*

2. **Make the Ricotta Filling:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.

3. **Stuff the Chicken Breasts:** Carefully spoon the ricotta filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use your fingers to gently spread the filling evenly throughout the pocket. Don’t overstuff the chicken, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.

4. **Secure the Chicken Breasts (Optional):** If you’re concerned about the filling leaking out, you can secure the opening of each chicken breast with toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks horizontally through the opening, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will help to keep the filling inside the chicken during the breading and frying process. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

**Part 2: Breading and Frying the Chicken**

1. **Set up the Breading Station:** In three shallow dishes, place the all-purpose flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs in the second dish, and the Italian breadcrumbs in the third dish. Season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help to add flavor to the chicken coating.

2. **Bread the Chicken Breasts:** Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the Italian breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Make sure the entire surface is covered in breadcrumbs.

3. **Fry the Chicken Breasts:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to fry the chicken in batches.

4. **Cook the Chicken:** Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

5. **Remove and Drain:** Remove the fried chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This will help to keep the chicken crispy.

**Part 3: Assembling the Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Subs**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. **Prepare the Sub Rolls:** Slice the sub rolls horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the chicken and toppings.

3. **Assemble the Subs:** Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce inside each sub roll. Place a fried stuffed chicken breast into each roll. Top with two slices of mozzarella cheese per sub.

4. **Bake the Subs:** Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the subs to prevent them from burning.

5. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Subs

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your subs. Opt for fresh basil, good quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce.
* **Don’t Overstuff the Chicken:** Overstuffing the chicken can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Be careful not to put too much ricotta mixture into the pockets.
* **Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Through:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will help to prevent foodborne illness.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature and cause the chicken to become greasy. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly and remains crispy.
* **Toast the Sub Rolls (Optional):** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can toast the sub rolls before assembling the subs. Simply slice the rolls and toast them in a toaster oven or under the broiler until lightly golden brown.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling or sprinkle them on top of the assembled subs before baking.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize your subs. Some popular options include sauteed mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before serving.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious in this recipe.
* **Herbs:** Use different fresh herbs in the ricotta filling. Oregano, thyme, or parsley would all be great additions.
* **Sauce:** If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use your favorite pasta sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken an extra crispy coating.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken breasts with large portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Stuff the mushrooms with the ricotta filling and bake until tender.
* **Spicy Version:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling or use a spicy marinara sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

These Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Subs are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
* **Pasta Salad:** A cold pasta salad with vegetables and a creamy dressing is another great option.
* **French Fries:** For a classic comfort food meal, serve the subs with crispy French fries.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy onion rings are another delicious and indulgent side.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with sandwiches.

## Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Subs, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the subs in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

## Conclusion

This Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Sub recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a portable and satisfying format. The creamy ricotta filling adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to every bite, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable sandwich!