A chicken cutlet hero is a classic sandwich originating from the Northeastern United States. It features a breaded, fried chicken cutlet served on a hero or submarine roll with various toppings and condiments. The chicken cutlet provides a crispy and juicy centerpiece to the sandwich, while the soft hero roll allows you to pile on vegetables, cheese, and sauces. With its hearty protein and customizable fillings, the chicken cutlet hero has become a popular lunchtime meal and sandwich shop staple.
What is a Chicken Cutlet?
A chicken cutlet refers to a thin, flattened chicken breast that has been breaded and fried. To make chicken cutlets:
- Chicken breasts are sliced horizontally to make two thin cutlets.
- The chicken is seasoned, dredged in flour, dipped in egg, then coated in breadcrumbs to form a crispy exterior.
- The breaded cutlets are fried in oil until golden brown and cooked through.
This process of breading and frying seals in the chicken’s juices and gives the cutlet a crispy, crunchy texture contrasting the moist, tender chicken inside. Chicken cutlets were popularized in the early 20th century as a quick and easy chicken dinner. Their thin profile reduced cooking time while the breading added flavor and texture.
Today, chicken cutlets are still valued for their versatility in sandwiches, subs, entrées, and more. When served on a hero, the cutlet provides a satisfying protein base for all your favorite toppings.
History of the Chicken Cutlet Hero
The chicken cutlet hero stems from multiple culinary traditions converging in the Northeastern United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, Italian immigrants brought the “Italian sandwich” to the East Coast, featuring salami, ham, cheese, onions, peppers, oil, and vinegar on an Italian roll. Around the same time, kosher Jewish delis in New York City served hot open-faced sandwiches laden with juicy meats and sauces.
As chicken cutlets grew popular in the 1930s-40s, delis incorporated them into specialty sandwiches. The cutlets were a tasty and inexpensive chicken option compared to pricier deli meats.
The invention of the long, soft “submarine roll” in the 1940s provided the perfect vessel to contain these loaded sandwiches. Sold at neighborhood shops and from food carts, the chicken cutlet sub soon emerged as a Northeastern classic.
Where to Find the Best Chicken Cutlet Heroes
While you can find chicken cutlet heroes at sandwich shops across the Northeast, a few legendary spots are renowned specifically for their takes on this sandwich:
New York City
- Sal, Kris, and Charlie’s Deli – This Astoria shop is a long-time favorite for juicy, thinly-pounded cutlets on fresh, locally baked bread.
- Court Street Grocers – With locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, this deli offers hearty heroes layered with seasoned chicken cutlets and spicy cherry peppers.
- Perl’s on First – A Lower East Side kosher deli serving monster-sized cutlet heroes with sides like knish and potato salad.
Philadelphia
- Steve’s Prince of Steaks – Famous Philly cheesesteak shop also doing a great chicken cutlet with sharp provolone and spinach.
- Sonny’s Famous Steaks – No-frills cheesesteak joint cranking out juicy chicken cutlet sandwiches 24/7.
- The Gold Standard Cafe – Unbeatable chicken cutlet special with bacon and provolone at this cash-only spot.
Boston
- Cutty’s – Locals rave about the “Cluck Norris” chicken cutlet sandwich served hot and crunchy on a bulkie roll.
- Volle Nolle – Creative gourmet versions like chicken parmesan and buffalo chicken cutlet heroes.
- Harrison’s Roast Beef & Sandwich Shop – Satisfying sliced chicken cutlet heroes made with fresh-roasted turkey breast.
Ingredients of a Chicken Cutlet Hero
A chicken cutlet hero brings together a variety of tastes and textures in layers between the bread. While you can customize your sandwich how you like it, these are some standard ingredients:
Bread
The chicken cutlet hero is served on a loaf of Italian bread approximately 12-15 inches long. Options include:
- Submarine roll – Soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy interior with a crispy crust. The classic choice.
- Hero roll – Similar to a sub roll but shorter in length, around 6-8 inches.
- Wedge roll – Round, individual-sized roll ideal for personal sandwiches.
- Italian bread loaf – Crusty exterior and airy inside. Cut to order for hearty sandwich sizes.
Chicken Cutlet
A standard chicken cutlet hero features two thin, breaded chicken cutlets fried until crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, some shops use a single, thicker cutlet or even a sliced chicken cutlet. The cutlet(s) provide protein and crunch between the soft bread and other toppings.
Cheese
Melty cheese adds even more richness and binding to bring the sandwich together. Popular cheese choices are:
- Provolone – Smooth and mildly sharp.
- American – Classic melted cheese with mild flavor.
- Mozzarella – Ooey, stringy texture when melted.
- Swiss – Nutty, mellow flavor.
Vegetables
Crisp vegetables provide crunch, color, and freshness to balance the chicken and cheese. Some options are:
- Lettuce – Shredded or leaves for crunchy texture.
- Tomatoes – Sliced or chopped tomatoes for juicy bursts.
- Onions – Thinly sliced raw white or red onions.
- Pickles – Dill pickle chips or strips.
- Peppers – Banana/cubanelle peppers, jalapeños, etc.
- Hot cherry peppers – Signature spicy flavor.
Sauce and Seasonings
Sauces and seasonings give the sandwich welcome moisture and an extra kick of flavor:
- Mayo or Olive Oil – Adds richness and binds ingredients.
- Mustard – Yellow, spicy brown, or honey mustard.
- Hot Sauce – Dash of chili flavor from hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot.
- Oregano – A signature in Italian sandwiches.
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste.
Other Possible Toppings
- Bacon – Crispy strips.
- Meatballs – Hearty, savory addition.
- Salami – Salty, cured slices.
- Ham – Deli-style additions.
- Roasted Red Peppers – Sweet, smoky flavor.
The combinations are endless for customizing your perfect chicken cutlet sandwich.
How to Make a Chicken Cutlet Hero
Making your own chicken cutlet hero at home can be easy and fun with these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1⁄2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 submarine rolls or long Italian loaves
- Sliced provolone cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Steps
- Pound the chicken: Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bread the cutlets: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
- Fry the cutlets: Heat 1⁄4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry cutlets 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.
- Toast the rolls: Slice rolls lengthwise without fully separating. Toast lightly in oven or skillet.
- Build the sandwiches: On bottom half of each roll, layer provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions. Place hot chicken cutlets on top. Drizzle with a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Top with roll tops.
- Enjoy! Dig into your fresh, hot chicken cutlet heroes.
Making everything from scratch takes some effort, but the crispy, flavorful results are worth it. You can also use store-bought ingredients like pre-cooked chicken cutlets to simplify the process. The key is layering on fresh, tasty toppings in the right proportions.
Chicken Cutlet Hero Variations
One of the great things about chicken cutlet heroes is how customizable they are for different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
Cheesesteak-Style
Use sliced chicken cutlets instead of whole cutlets. Top with cheese whiz or provolone, sautéed onions, and optionally peppers and mushrooms.
Buffalo-Style
Toss fried cutlets in Buffalo hot sauce before assembling. Top with crumbled blue cheese and shredded lettuce for a chicken wing sandwich.
BBQ Chicken
Coat cutlets with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add toppings like cheddar, bacon, and crispy onion rings.
Pesto Chicken
Spread pesto mayo on rolls. Add tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves for an Italian twist.
Chicken Parm
Top cutlets with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Can also bread cutlets with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Southwest Chicken
Season cutlets boldly with Southwest spice blends. Add avocado slices, pepper jack cheese, grilled onions/peppers, chipotle mayo, etc.
Ranch Chicken
Use ranch dressing instead of mayo or oil. Bulk it up with lettuce, tomato, bacon, cheddar cheese, etc.
Nutrition Information
The chicken cutlet hero packs a satisfying punch of protein. Here is approximate nutrition data for a typical sandwich with two breaded chicken cutlets, cheese, vegetables, and condiments on an 18-inch sub roll:
Nutrient | Total Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 850 |
Total Fat | 36g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Trans Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 165mg |
Sodium | 1280mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 71g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Total Sugars | 6g |
Protein | 60g |
Of course, nutrition data can vary widely depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The vegetable toppings provide beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the sandwich is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. You can reduce calories and fat by using lower-fat ingredients and smaller chicken cutlets.
Cost of a Chicken Cutlet Hero
Chicken cutlet heroes range in price depending on the restaurant, ingredients, and location. Here are some average price points:
- At a sandwich shop or deli – $8 to $16
- From a food cart or takeout counter – $5 to $10
- Making it yourself – $3 to $6 for a full-sized sandwich
The chicken cutlets themselves tend to be the most expensive ingredient. Using low-cost ingredients like deli ham or prepared cutlets can lower your DIY cost. Overall, given the large portion sizes, chicken cutlet heroes can provide lasting value for your money as a filling meal.
Popularity and Acclaim
The beloved chicken cutlet hero has earned cultural status, especially in its New York and Philadelphia home territories. Some signs of its popularity and acclaim include:
- Well-known as a staple Northeastern sandwich
- Featured on cooking shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- Subject of guides for best chicken cutlet heroes in major cities
- Sold by famous shops with dedicated followings like Sal, Kris & Charlie’s and Tony Luke’s
- Ranked among the top sandwiches in reader and critic polls
- An iconic street food sold on corners and food trucks
- A nostalgic taste of home for those from the Northeast
The combination of crispy, juicy chicken cutlet with melty cheese and fresh toppings simply strikes a chord with people. The sandwich has become ingrained in the food culture of cities like New York and Philadelphia.
Eating and Serving Tips
Chicken cutlet heroes are hearty sandwiches meant to be eaten with your hands. Here are some tips for enjoying them:
- Let cool slightly if the cutlet and fillings were prepared hot to avoid burning your mouth.
- Press down on the top roll to compact ingredients for more stable bites.
- Brace the sandwich with your other hand close to your mouth to catch drips and fallen toppings.
- Napkins or wet wipes can help with saucy fingers and faces.
- Cut in half if eating a larger 18+ inch hero to make it more manageable.
- For catering or gatherings, cut into individual slider-sized portions.
- Wrap tightly in foil to keep warm or eat later.
The chicken cutlet hero is conveniently hand-held and packed with flavor. Follow these tips and enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite!
Conclusion
From its Northeastern origins to nationwide fame, the chicken cutlet hero has cemented its status as a delicious, satisfying sandwich. Its winning combination of a hot, crunchy chicken cutlet with melty cheese and fresh toppings on a soft roll makes it a go-to lunch pick or anytime crowd-pleaser. This customizable sandwich has inspired many regional variations but remains simple at its core – just great ingredients stacked between bread. When made with care, a chicken cutlet hero delivers the perfect bite and leaves you wanting another.