Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

• Main Ingredient: Chicken
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Recipe by: Lodge Cast Iron

We’re big fans of a meal you can eat with your hands—bonus points for a nice cheese pull, too. This chicken parmesan sandwich has it all, from a classic red sauce that will get your kitchen smelling like a perfect Sunday.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
2. Butterfly the chicken breast by carefully resting your palm across the breast and using a sharp knife to cut through it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through; you should be able to open the breast like a book, into a butterfly shape.
3. Sandwich the breast between two pieces of parchment paper and, using a rolling pin, pound the breast to a uniform ¾ inch thickness. Remove from parchment and season all sides with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
4. Add flour to a shallow dish; add beaten egg to another shallow dish; in a third dish, combine breadcrumbs and ½ cup parmesan to create your chicken dredging line. Dredge the chicken in flour, shake off excess; dip in egg wash, shake off excess; dip in Panko and parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
5. Add ¼ cup olive oil to a 30cm cast iron skillet; heat over medium-low for 5 minutes.
6. Add breaded chicken breast to the oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Reduce heat as needed to avoid over-browning. The crust should be golden. Once cooked, remove to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate.
7. To the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, and remaining salt and pepper; bring to a simmer. Using a wooden spoon or fish spatula, crush tomatoes to desired texture. Reserve ½ cup red sauce.
8. Meanwhile, prepare your sandwich bread. Cut the loaf lengthwise to create the top and bottom of your chicken parm sandwich; brush with olive oil.
9. Nestle the breaded chicken back into the skillet sauce and top with mozzarella and remaining ¼ cup of parmesan.
10. Place skillet in the oven to bake; put the bread directly on the oven grates as well, cut sides up, and bake for 5-7 minutes until toasted. Remove the bread and set the oven to broil, cooking the chicken until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.
11. Assemble the sandwich. Spoon some red sauce on both sides of the bread, cut the chicken breast in half and pile it on top. Add fresh basil as desired and sandwich it all together. Cut into 4 portions, serve, and enjoy!