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
Scale
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
