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Homemade Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches recipe photo

Italian Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets are layered with provolone, roasted red peppers, and sautéed broccoli rabe on ciabatta for a hearty Italian-style sandwich.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder divided
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground pepper divided
  • 1 1/2 cups low fat milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally (to make 6 cutlets)
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 pound broccoli rabe chopped into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • 6 to 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup roasted red pepper
  • 1 loaf ciabatta bread cut in half lengthwise

Equipment

  • 3 shallow bowls or baking dishes
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • large stock pot
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1/4 tablespoon pepper; set aside.
  2. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the milk with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, remaining kosher salt, and remaining pepper; set aside.
  3. In a third shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan; set aside.
  4. Pound or press each chicken breast half lightly if uneven, then dredge one piece at a time in the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip in the milk mixture, and press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining cutlets.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add cutlets without crowding (work in batches if needed) and cook until golden and releasing easily, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate and keep warm.
  6. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and pat dry.
  7. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the blanched broccoli rabe 2–3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
  8. Stir together the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly on both cut sides of the ciabatta halves.
  9. Layer provolone slices on the bottom half of the ciabatta, top with the cooked chicken cutlets, then arrange roasted red peppers and sautéed broccoli rabe over the chicken.
  10. Place the top half of the ciabatta over the filling and slice the sandwich into individual pieces about 3 inches wide. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The chicken and broccoli rabe can be made up to 8 hours in advance.
  • To re-crisp cooked chicken, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes on a rack.