These Chicken Tender Subs are inspired by the popular Publix subs (also known as “pub subs.”) With crispy chopped chicken tenders, gooey provolone, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce all layered in soft French bread, the sandwich has a cult following for a reason – and now you can make it at home, anytime you want!
Skip the line and make chicken tender pub subs right at home! This chicken tender sub recipe is an easy and straightforward way to make the popular sandwich in your own kitchen, anytime you crave it.
I use the classic toppings in my recipe, but like any sub sandwich, you can customize it endlessly to fit your own personal preference. Whether you keep it traditional or go super unique, I think you’re going to love this chicken tender sub as much as I do!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- They’re just so good! – There’s something about that combination of crisp and tender chicken with mayo, cheese, and veggies that tastes amazing. Publix chicken tender subs are super popular for a reason!
- 10-minute recipe – Chicken tender pub subs are SO fast and easy to make!
- Perfect for leftovers – This chicken tender subs recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftover chicken tenders.
- Customizable – Toss the chicken in sauce like buffalo, honey mustard, or ranch before adding it to your sub, switch up the cheese, pile on pickles and more veggies … grab your favorite and best chicken tender sub toppings and make it your own!
Recipe Notes
This Chicken Tender Subs recipe is as simple as promised! Just a handful of simple ingredients and only 10 minutes for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Chicken Tender Subs to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- French bread – Grab your favorite brand of French bread. The softer and more bakery-fresh, the better!
- Mayonnaise – Use your favorite mayo brand. Lite or olive-oil based mayo work, too.
- Chicken tenders – You can use frozen chicken tenders, homemade chicken tenders, or even no-breading chicken tenders. These subs are also a terrific way to use up leftovers!
- Provolone cheese – Adds creamy, cheesy flavor. Colby jack or mild cheddar are also delicious.
- Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce, shredded, has a nice crisp bite, but shredded romaine or curly lettuce are good too.
- Tomato – Juicy ripe slicing tomatoes, cut thin.
- Oregano, salt, & pepper – Seasonings amp up the flavors in these chicken tender subs.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Buffalo Chicken Tender Sub– Drizzle chopped chicken tenders with a mix of 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons melted butter and toss well. Pile on subs with the other ingredients and crumble some blue cheese over the top.
- Baked Chicken Tender Sub– For a healthier spin on chicken tender subs, nix the breading and used baked chicken tenders.
- Cordon Bleu Chicken Tender Subs– Add slices of honey ham and replace the provolone with Swiss cheese.
- Dill Pickle Chicken Tender Subs– Top with slices of dill pickle and a few sprigs of fresh dill.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Chicken Tender Subs.
Cut your French bread in half horizontally and pluck out some of the soft middle. Spread mayo inside both halves and add chopped chicken tenders.
Top with shredded lettuce and halved slices of provolone cheese.
Top with tomato slices. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Close the sandwich. Cut it into quarters and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Hollow out your bread a bit – Since many store bought sub rolls aren’t as light an pillowy as the fresh baked rolls at the store, I find it best to pull out some of the inside of your bread so that your bread-to-filling ratio is perfect. You can even save the bread you pull out to make breadcrumbs for your next batch of homemade chicken tenders!
- Don’t skip the seasonings – The oregano, along with a generous dash of salt and pepper, really take this chicken tender sub over the top.
- Wrap in parchment – Roll up individual sections in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go subs.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Plan ahead – If you’re making chicken tenders for a dinner earlier in the week, cook a few extra for these chicken tender subs later on.
- Use deli chicken tenders – Busy weeknight? Pick up already-made chicken tenders at your local grocery store deli for even quicker-to-make sandwiches.
- Use pre-shredded lettuce – Grab a bag of pre-washed and pre-shredded lettuce in your grocery store’s produce section.
What to Serve with Chicken Tender Subs
Since this protein-based dinner has the delicious flavors of sub sandwiches, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic American side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Potato chips & pickle spears
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad
- Easy Rotini Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Herb Roasted Potatoes
Recipe FAQ’s
What is the famous Publix sub sandwich?
Publix subs are a popular sub sandwich made by the grocery store chain, Publix, located in Florida and other Southern states. Their most popular sub is the chicken tender sub.
What goes well on a chicken tender sub?
Standard ingredients include mayo, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, but it’s really up to individual tastes. Some people like to add ranch or buffalo dressing, others mix up the cheese and veggies. Pepperoncinis, pickles, and other condiments are delicious on chicken tender subs, too.
More EASY Sandwich Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy sandwich recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Blackened Chicken Sandwich
- Shredded Chicken Sliders
- Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwich
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Chicken Tender Subs
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 chicken tenders, hot or cold (see note)
- 1½ cups shredded lettuce
- 3 slices provolone cheese
- ½ tomato, sliced
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the French bread loaf in half. Remove the fluffy middle of the loaf. Spread mayonnaise over the inside top and bottom of the loaf.
- Chop the chicken tenders into bite sized pieces. Pile the chicken in the bottom part of the french bread loaf. Top with shredded lettuce, provolone cheese, and tomato. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken tender sub in four pieces and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken tenders: Chicken breasts or strips can also be used.
- Provolone cheese: Any other mild sliced cheese can be used here, such as mild cheddar, colby jack, or Swiss.
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