Forget boring buns! If you’re looking for a dinner that screams comfort but secretly comes together fast, you have landed in the right spot. These Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are absolutely going to change your weeknight rotation. I’m Anna, and I’m all about sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking easier and way more joyful. I’ve spent years perfecting dishes that taste like they took all day but really didn’t. My goal is always to give you the confidence to whip up something amazing, using reliable techniques that guarantee success every single time.
Why You Will Love These Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
This recipe isn’t just another chicken parm; it’s an upgrade! You get all the gooey, crispy goodness you crave without the fuss of standard rolls. Here’s why these sandwiches are winners:
- Super quick prep time, even with making the knots from scratch.
- Huge, satisfying flavor packed into every bite.
- The soft, garlicky knot base is totally unique.
- Ultimate comforting meal that feeds the whole family.
Gather What You Need for Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
Getting organized before you start is half the battle won, trust me. Having everything measured out (what we chefs call *mise en place*) means you can move smoothly through the cooking process for these Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
Ingredients for the Crispy Chicken and Knots
We are making three huge sandwiches from this batch, so make sure you have your pizza dough ready to go!
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced super fine
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (If you only have dried, use 2 teaspoons, but fresh is so much better here!)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 4 thin cutlets (aim for about 1/2 inch thick so they cook fast!)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup neutral frying oil (like canola or vegetable)
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment Required for Perfect Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
You don’t need fancy gadgets, but these tools are essential for getting the texture right on your Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Three shallow bowls for the breading station
- A heavy-bottomed skillet for frying
- A reliable instant-read meat thermometer (this is non-negotiable for chicken safety!)
- Small bowl for mixing the finishing garlic butter
Table Of content
Preparing the Garlic Knots Base
Okay, let’s start with the foundation—those amazing, soft garlic knots! This is where the fun starts because you’re using refrigerated pizza dough, which is such a time-saver. First, preheat your oven to 400\u00b0F and line a baking sheet. That parchment paper is your best friend here; it keeps things neat.
Divide that dough into three equal parts. Roll each one into a long rope, maybe 18 inches long, and then just tie them into a loose knot. Don’t worry if they look messy; they puff up beautifully in the oven. Brush them lightly with a little olive oil, cover them up, and this next step is crucial: let them rest for 20 minutes.
That resting time lets the gluten relax, meaning your knots will be soft, not tough. After they rest, pop them in the oven for about 22 to 25 minutes. You want them puffed up and just starting to turn golden. Once they’re done, pull them out and let them cool just enough so you can handle slicing them open horizontally for the next stage!
Building Flavor with Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Now it’s time for the star of the show: the chicken! Since we are making Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, we need cutlets that are thin enough to cook fast but thick enough to stay juicy. Season your four thin cutlets lightly with salt and pepper right away. This flavor boost matters!
Set up your dredging station—this technique is what gives us that fantastic, crispy coating. You need three bowls: one with flour, one with the whisked eggs mixed with milk, and the last one loaded with those seasoned Italian breadcrumbs. Remember the order: flour first to dry the surface, then the wet egg wash to make the breadcrumbs stick, and finally, press that cutlet firmly into the breadcrumbs. Seriously press it in so you get maximum coverage—that’s your crispiness insurance!
Heat about a half-inch of neutral frying oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the breadcrumbs sizzle immediately when they hit the oil, but not so hot that they burn before the chicken cooks. Fry each cutlet for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are gorgeous and golden brown. The most important part? Use that thermometer! Chicken must hit 165\u00b0F internally to be safe. Move the cooked cutlets straight onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any extra oil. They should be perfectly crispy and ready for layering.
Assembling and Melting Your Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
We’ve got the golden knots and the crispy chicken; now it’s time to bring this masterpiece together! Take those sliced-open garlic knots and get them ready for the sauce. Spoon about a spoonful or two of your warm marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each knot. Don’t go too heavy here, or the bread gets soggy too fast before it even gets back in the oven.
Next up, place one of those perfectly fried chicken cutlets right on top of the sauce. Layer generously! Top the chicken with a little more marinara—just enough to coat the top—and then lay two slices of mozzarella cheese over everything. Sprinkle that grated Parmesan cheese right on top of the mozzarella. This cheese layer is what makes these Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches so decadent.
Carefully place the top half of the garlic knot over the cheese. We aren’t done yet! Return the assembled sandwiches to that same parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them back into the 400\u00b0F oven for about 5 minutes. You only need this short time to let the mozzarella melt completely into a gooey blanket over that delicious chicken. It’s the final step before that amazing garlic brush!
The Finishing Touch: Garlic Butter Brush for Your Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
The sandwiches are out of the oven, the cheese is bubbling—but wait! We need that final aromatic punch that makes these Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches truly unforgettable. This last step takes about two minutes, and the smell alone is worth the effort.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, that four cloves of finely minced garlic, and the fresh parsley. You want the garlic nice and pungent here because it’s hitting warm bread, not raw heat. This mixture is liquid gold!
As soon as the sandwiches come out of the oven, use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of those warm garlic knots with this garlicky butter mixture. Don’t be shy! The heat from the bread instantly wakes up the garlic flavor and makes the parsley pop. Serve these beauties immediately with a side of extra warm marinara for dipping. Trust me, that herby, buttery top layer seals the deal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
If you manage to have any Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches left over—which is a miracle in itself—storage is pretty simple. Let the sandwiches cool down completely first. Then, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil individually. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Don’t try to keep them assembled for too long, though; the bread can get soggy from the sauce.
For reheating, I strongly suggest using the oven or an air fryer to bring back some crispness. Wrap the sandwich loosely in foil and bake at 350\u00b0F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This warms the chicken through gently and melts the cheese again without turning the garlic knot into a tough brick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
I always get questions when I post these, because they look fancy but are secretly so simple! Here are a few things people ask me most about making the best Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for these Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches?
You absolutely can bake the chicken cutlets if you want to cut down on oil. If you bake them, you’ll need to spray or brush both sides of the breaded chicken lightly with oil before putting them on a rack set over a baking sheet. Bake them at 400\u00b0F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they hit that safe 165\u00b0F. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried ones, but they are still delicious!
What type of marinara sauce works best for this recipe?
The best sauce is one that isn’t too watery. If your sauce is thin, it will soak right into the knot and make it mushy before you even get it to the oven. Look for a thicker marinara, maybe one that’s already chunky or one you’ve reduced slightly on the stovetop. You need just enough to coat the chicken and the bottom of the knot without drowning it.
How do I ensure my garlic knots stay soft inside after reheating?
This is key to enjoying leftovers! When reheating assembled Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches, don’t just microwave them—that makes them tough. Wrap the sandwich loosely in aluminum foil before placing it in a 350\u00b0F oven. The foil traps the steam and moisture released from the chicken and sauce, keeping the interior of that garlic knot wonderfully soft while the cheese melts again.
Share Your Delicious Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
I truly hope these Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine! The best part of cooking is sharing the results. If you made these tonight, please let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Tell me if you added any secret toppings, or just how much your family loved this fun twist on a classic. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! See more great ideas here.
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Amazing 3 Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 3 large sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Knot Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches offer a fun twist on a classic. You get crispy chicken parmesan, warm marinara, and melted cheese nestled inside soft, garlicky knot rolls. This is bold, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 4 thin cutlets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup neutral frying oil
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce plus more for serving
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the pizza dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot and place them on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil, cover the knots, and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Bake the garlic knots for 22 to 25 minutes until they puff up and turn lightly golden. Set them aside.
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper. Place flour, whisked eggs mixed with milk, and breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat the frying oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Move the cooked chicken to a paper towel lined plate.
- Slice the garlic knots horizontally. Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each knot. Add one chicken cutlet, top with more marinara, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese. Place the top half of the knot over the filling.
- Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Stir together the remaining olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the warm sandwiches.
- Serve these sandwiches right away with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use thin chicken cutlets so the sandwiches heat evenly and stay easy to eat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: Not specified




