Chicken Sub

Hot chicken subs with onions, peppers and melty Swiss cheese make for a quick and easy lunch or well-rounded dinner that you can make, start to finish, in less than 30 minutes. One shortcut ingredient? Instead of marinating the chicken ahead of time, we add an envelope of dry salad dressing mix to the meat before quickly sauteeing it. It’s a clever trick to add savory notes of garlic, herbs and Parmesan while requiring minimal prep work.

Chicken Sub Ingredients

• Chicken: Strips of boneless skinless chicken breasts make juicy bites of filling for hot chicken subs. You can substitute boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer dark meat. For more of a chicken cheesesteak texture, substitute ground chicken instead.
• Salad dressing mix: An envelope of dry salad dressing mix acts as a shortcut seasoning for these hot chicken subs. We call for Parmesan Italian or Caesar dressing mix, but regular Italian or ranch dressing mix would work too.
• Mushrooms and red onion: Cooked mushrooms and onions add lots of flavor and texture to the hot chicken filling. Sauteeing them first helps them caramelize slightly for the most savory flavor.
• Submarine buns: Long rolls cradle the savory chicken filling. Splitting and toasting them ahead of time will help prevent the bread from getting soggy.
• Swiss cheese: Mild and melty Swiss cheese adds richness to chicken subs and helps the sandwich fillings adhere together.

Directions

Step 1: Season the chicken

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Place the chicken in a large bowl, and sprinkle it with the salad dressing mix.

Step 2: Cook the chicken and veggies

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In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms and onion in oil for three minutes. Add the chicken, and saute for six minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.

Step 3: Fill the subs, then broil them

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Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bun bottoms, then top it with the cheese. Broil the sandwiches 4 inches from the heat for four minutes or until the cheese is melted. Replace the sandwich tops.

Editor’s Tip: Watch the sandwiches closely under the broiler! Some get very hot even on the low setting, and it’s easy to go from melted to burnt.

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Chicken Sub Variations

• Grill the chicken: Instead of sauteeing the chicken, grill it over charcoal to add a layer of smoky flavor.
• Make it a footlong: Instead of making individual sub sandwiches on rolls, bake a long loaf of Italian bread and cut the sub into sections of whatever size you like.
• Add more vegetables: Grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, garlicky broccoli rabe or sauteed spinach with garlic would all be delicious additions.
• Try a different cheese: Swap out the Swiss for pepper jack, cheddar or melty Colby. This sandwich would also be a great fit for a garlic or horseradish-infused cheddar!
• Give it a kick: If you enjoy a little tangy heat, add something spicy and briny like pepperoncini peppers, cherry peppers, pickled pepper relish or banana peppers.

How to Store Chicken Subs

The best way to store a chicken sub sandwich is to wrap it tightly in parchment paper or waxed paper. Delis use paper because it helps to prevent the bread from drying out, without completely trapping the moisture from the fillings, the way plastic wrap does, which will make the bread go soggy more quickly. You can use paper, plastic wrap or even aluminum foil. Whatever wrapper you choose, wrap the subs snugly.

Can you make a chicken sub ahead of time?

Definitely, and it’s a fantastic sandwich to bring on a picnic or to the beach. They can be made up to a day in advance. Longer than that and the bread will become stale.

To be sure of the best structural integrity if you’re making these for a picnic, make the sandwiches, let them cool slightly and wrap them in a layer of paper. Cut them into halves, then carefully wrap the whole thing in its original shape in a second layer of paper. Pack them in a cooler with some ice packs, and take them to go. Wrapping the subs this way means they hold together well and they’re easy to eat once you arrive at your destination.

How do you reheat this chicken sub?

Loosely wrap the sub in aluminum foil, brushed with olive oil, if you like. Place the wrapped sub on a baking sheet, and bake it at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the bread is warmed through.

Chicken Sub Tips

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What is the best bread for a sub sandwich?

The best bread for this chicken sub recipe is a soft Italian roll or a sturdy baguette. A good sub roll should have a crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior that can hold up to all the delicious fillings. Look for a long, sesame-studded Italian roll, or make individual subs on hoagie rolls.

What are some good sides to serve with chicken subs?

Classic sides that pair perfectly with subs include crispy french fries, a refreshing coleslaw or a creamy potato salad. For a lighter option, grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers and onions offer a healthy and flavorful accompaniment. It’s also a solid lunch or a simple supper with crudités on the side and a fruit salad.