Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on two classic favorites. Crispy breaded chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce come together in a perfectly grilled sandwich. It’s an easy meal that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness by placing them between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pounding gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
- Step 2: Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest before slicing into strips.
- Step 4: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. On half the slices, layer sliced chicken, more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with remaining bread slices, sauce side down, to form sandwiches.
- Step 5: Butter the outside of each sandwich on both sides. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Remove sandwiches, let cool for a minute, then slice in half. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken breasts at 400°F for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
- Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina to change the cheese profile.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers inside the sandwich for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted, or warm briefly in the oven at 350°F. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While fresh breaded chicken works best for texture and flavor, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips. Just layer them with the cheeses and sauce and grill the sandwich as directed.
What bread is best for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
Italian, sourdough, or sturdy sandwich bread are all great choices. Pick bread that holds up well to buttering and grilling without becoming soggy.
Print
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. Breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts are layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses between slices of buttery toasted bread, making for a deliciously crispy and cheesy sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sandwich
- 8 slices of bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they become golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. On half of the slices, layer the sliced breaded chicken, more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices, marinara side down, to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Butter the outside of each sandwich generously on both the top and bottom slices. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, optionally with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute Italian breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- If desired, add fresh basil or spinach inside the sandwich for added flavor and texture.
- Use a sturdy bread that can hold the sandwich fillings without becoming soggy.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan grilled cheese, breaded chicken sandwich, Italian grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, mozzarella sandwich, skillet sandwich
