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a closed kaiser-roll sandwich cut in half, filled with four thick round slices from a golden Parmesan-panko-crusted chicken roulade, each visible cut face showing a ring of cooked chicken wrapped completely around a soft melted white mozzarella core, with a modest red tomato-sauce layer and a little grated Parmesan, without solid flat chicken cutlets, cheese blankets or garnish
Rachel Kim

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Roll mozzarella inside the chicken before breading it, and the cheese becomes part of the filling instead of a slippery blanket over a flat cutlet. The breast needs to be pounded evenly so it can wrap around the cheese without a thick raw pocket, then baked until the center of each roll reaches temperature. Slice the rested rolls into thick rounds for the kaiser buns, keeping the tomato sauce measured so some of the Parmesan crumb stays crisp.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets about 1 1/2 lb total
  • 4 oz low-moisture mozzarella cut into four thick sticks
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt divided
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan plus 2 tbsp for finishing
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 4 large kaiser rolls split

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 425°F and set a wire rack over a rimmed sheet pan. Pound each chicken cutlet to an even 1/4 inch, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  2. Put one mozzarella stick near a short edge of each cutlet, fold the sides inward and roll tightly around the cheese. Secure each with two toothpicks, keeping track of all eight.
  3. Put flour in one shallow dish, beat eggs in another and combine panko with 1/3 cup Parmesan in a third. Coat each chicken roll in flour, egg and crumbs, then place seam side down on the rack and brush with 1 tablespoon oil.
  4. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the center of each roll, including the filling area, reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, remove all eight toothpicks and slice each roll into four thick rounds.
  5. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a saucepan, cook garlic for 30 seconds and add tomatoes, oregano and remaining salt. Simmer for 15 minutes until thick.
  6. Toast the cut roll faces under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Arrange the four chicken rounds from one roll on each bottom bun, spoon tomato sauce over the centers and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
  7. Close with the tops and serve one sandwich per person while the cheese centers are still soft.