Name: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3-4 strips Chicken Tenderloin; 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (divided: 2 tsp for chicken, 1 tsp for coating); 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (divided: 1 tsp for chicken, 1/2 tsp for coating); 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder (divided: 1 tsp for chicken, 1/2 tsp for coating); Kosher Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Flour; 1 Egg; 1 tbsp Water; 4 pieces Texas Toast; Arugula, for topping; Fresh Basil, for topping; 1/4 cup Pesto; 4 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (or about 1 cup shredded mozzarella); 3/4 cup Marinara Sauce; 2-3 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 48 reviews

If you are craving a sandwich that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden breaded chicken tenderloins layered with melting mozzarella, zesty marinara, peppery arugula, and aromatic pesto—all nestled between slices of toasted Texas toast. This sandwich is everything you want for a comforting yet fresh meal, combining classic Italian-American flavors with a vibrant twist that’s sure to become your new favorite lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl with several pieces of raw chicken seasoned with black pepper and herbs stacked together in the center. The chicken is pale pink with small green and black spice specks all over, showing a slightly moist texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the freshness of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making this sandwich both approachable and delicious. Each component plays an important role—from the crispy chicken coating that brings crunch and flavor, to the fresh herbs that add brightness and balance.

Texas Toast: Extra thick slices perfect for holding up all the hearty fillings without getting soggy.

Chicken Tenderloin: Tender and quick-cooking, ideal for a juicy breaded cutlet.
Italian Seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Italian zest.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds savory depth and a subtle kick to the breading mixture.

Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they create an irresistibly crunchy crust.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty nuttiness that beautifully complements the panko.
Egg and Water: The perfect binder that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

All-Purpose Flour: The first coating step to dry the chicken and ensure even breading.
Arugula: Peppery greens that cut through the richness with fresh flavor.
Fresh Basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant lift to the sandwich.

Pesto: Creamy, herb-forward sauce that ties everything together with bold taste.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (or shredded Mozzarella): Melts beautifully over the chicken for that classic gooey goodness.
Marinara Sauce: Bright and tangy tomato sauce that brings moisture and authentic Italian flair.

Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken until perfectly golden and crispy.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry—this step is crucial for getting an even coating that really sticks. Season them generously with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning base creates a mouthwatering layer of flavor before the breading even begins.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, mix together the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. In a second bowl, pour some flour, and in a third, beat an egg with a tablespoon of water. This setup ensures your chicken gets a beautiful, crispy crust with each dip.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each piece of seasoned chicken and first dredge it in flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This triple step guarantees a thick, crunchy coating that seals in juices and adds irresistible texture. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes while your oil heats up.

Step 4: Toast the Texas Toast

While your oil comes up to temperature, toast the Texas toast slices according to package instructions. The toast provides a sturdy, buttery base for your sandwich and delivers a warm, toasty crunch with every bite.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add your chicken and fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The sizzling oil seals the coating, locking in moisture for juicy chicken tenderloins.

Step 6: Broil with Marinara and Cheese

Transfer the fried chicken onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce over each piece, followed by fresh mozzarella. Pop them under a hot broiler for 1 to 2 minutes—just long enough to melt the cheese into a bubbly, creamy blanket.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich

Place the cheesy chicken on top of the toasted Texas toast, then add a handful of fresh arugula, a dollop of aromatic pesto, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. This final layering burst brings freshness, herbal notes, and a slight pepperiness that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe

The image shows two pieces of food on a white marbled surface covered with brown parchment paper. Each piece has two main layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown fried item with a rough texture, and the top layer is a thick, smooth, white slice placed neatly on top. The fried layer looks crispy and slightly uneven, while the white slice has visible small cracks and a creamy appearance. The top layer covers most of the fried base, with a bit of reddish sauce peeking out between them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate this sandwich even more. Try a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A few shavings of Parmesan on top add that extra cheesy charm.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, some roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes, or classic Italian antipasto like marinated olives and artichokes to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your sandwich into smaller sliders for a party appetizer or create a "deconstructed" platter with separate bowls of chicken, pesto, arugula, and toasted bread. This approach lets guests build their own sandwich exactly how they like it while showcasing each lovely ingredient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken and sandwich components in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store ingredients like pesto and arugula separately to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded, cooked chicken (without the sandwich assembly) for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich to keep textures and flavors at their best.

Reheating

Reheat fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on a baking sheet to restore crispiness, about 10-15 minutes. Re-toast your bread and add fresh arugula and pesto once reheated to bring the sandwich back to life perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins in this recipe?

Absolutely. If using chicken breasts, slice them into thinner cutlets to ensure even cooking and that perfect crunch in the breading.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken? Can I bake it instead?

While frying creates the crispiest coating, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, but expect slightly less crunch.

What type of pesto works best in this sandwich?

Classic basil pesto is ideal here for its bright, herbaceous flavor, but you can experiment with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a different twist.

Can this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe be made vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with breaded and fried eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms—they offer great texture and pair wonderfully with the cheese and pesto.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, always toast the bread well and add moist ingredients like pesto and marinara just before serving. Keeping arugula separate until the end also helps maintain freshness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that make lunchtime or dinner something special. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends and family who will thank you for introducing them to this irresistible sandwich delight.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Pesto and Arugula Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need