Juicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Crafting the ultimate chicken parmesan grilled cheese sandwich brings culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Layers of crispy breaded chicken meld perfectly with melted mozzarella between golden-brown bread slices.

Marinara sauce adds a zesty punch that elevates this comfort classic.

Classic Italian flavors dance together in every delectable bite.

Rich cheese stretches dramatically when you pull the sandwich apart.

Crisp edges and gooey interior promise an irresistible meal that satisfies deeply.

Hungry friends will beg you to make this again and again.

What Goes Into Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the sandwich.

• Flour, Beaten Egg, Italian Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy coating for chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Flavor enhancers for chicken.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and savory cheese layers.

• Bread Slices, Marinara Sauce: Sandwich foundation and tangy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking and grilling mediums.

How To Make Chicken Parm Grilled Sandwiches

Step 1: Flatten and Season Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts between plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet to pound chicken until it’s uniformly thin.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil

Step 2: Prepare Breading Station

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese

Carefully coat each chicken piece by dredging in flour, dipping in eggs, then rolling in breadcrumb mixture.

Press breadcrumbs firmly to ensure complete coverage.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken into hot pan.

Cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and slice into strips.

Step 4: Build Delicious Sandwich Layers

Spread marinara sauce on bread slices.

• Sliced chicken strips
• Additional marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Top with remaining bread slices to complete the sandwich.

Step 5: Grill Sandwiches Until Crispy

Generously butter exterior of each sandwich.

Place in preheated skillet over medium heat.

Grill until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts completely, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove sandwiches from heat.

Allow to cool briefly.

Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Optional: Provide extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips For Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots, creating a juicier protein.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, well-adhered coating that won't fall off during cooking.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting and even distribution throughout the sandwich.
• Spread marinara sauce sparingly to prevent soggy bread, maintaining a crisp exterior and preventing sandwich collapse.
• Select sturdy bread like sourdough or thick-cut white bread that can withstand grilling and support hearty fillings without falling apart.

How To Store And Reheat Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove sandwich from wrapping and place on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Unwrap sandwich and place in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy. Add a splash of water to the pan to prevent burning and create steam for even heating.

Delicious Pairings For This Chicken Sandwich

• Savor Perfectly Paired Flavors
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Opt for a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, cheesy sandwich with its bright, acidic notes that beautifully balance the heavy breaded chicken.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the decadent grilled cheese.
• Classic Italian Dipping Sauce: Prepare extra marinara sauce with fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an enhanced dipping experience that amplifies the sandwich's Italian-inspired flavors.
• Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and a touch of mint for a bright, effervescent drink that cleanses the mouth and complements the sandwich's rich profile.

Sandwich Styles And Filling Swaps To Explore

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free bread slices. Ensure all seasonings and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Swap bread with grilled cauliflower steaks as the base. Use almond flour instead of regular flour for breading and reduce breadcrumb quantity to minimize carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Substitute chicken with breaded and pan-fried eggplant slices. Maintain the same cheese and marinara sauce components while using vegetarian-friendly ingredients for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Add buffalo hot sauce to the marinara or mix into the chicken breading for an extra kick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes between cheese layers to enhance the heat profile of the sandwich.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders work perfectly. They’re already thin and tender, so you’ll skip the pounding step and have an equally delicious sandwich.

• What if I don't have Italian breadcrumbs?

No problem! Use regular breadcrumbs and add some dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and a bit of garlic powder to create the same flavor profile.

• Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, you can slice it and skip the breading and cooking steps. Just warm it up in the sandwich while grilling.

• Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the breaded chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty.

Why Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Is So Comforting

• Transform classic grilled cheese into an exciting culinary experience with crispy breaded chicken, zesty marinara, and melted cheese layers that create a mouthwatering taste explosion.
• Master this recipe easily with straightforward steps and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Combine the beloved elements of chicken parmesan and grilled cheese to create an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Prepare a satisfying meal in minimal time, requiring just a few ingredients and simple cooking methods that deliver maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic happens when classic chicken parmesan meets grilled cheese in this mouthwatering fusion masterpiece. Crispy chicken, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce create a comfort food symphony that will make you crave another bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large egg (beaten)

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 slices bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Transform the chicken breasts into uniform, tender cutlets by gently pounding between plastic wrap until approximately 1/2 inch thick. Infuse with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil for deep, multilayered flavor profiles.
2. Create a strategic breading workflow using three separate vessels: first, dust chicken in flour, eliminating excess; next, immerse in whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage; finally, meticulously coat with Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan, pressing firmly to guarantee a crisp, adherent crust.
3. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully introduce breaded chicken, allowing each side to caramelize into a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing into elegant strips.
4. Construct sandwich foundations by generously spreading marinara across bread surfaces. Layer strategically with sliced chicken, additional marinara, abundant mozzarella, and a delicate Parmesan sprinkle. Crown with complementary bread slice, marinara facing inward.
5. Enhance exterior with butter, ensuring complete coverage. Position sandwiches on preheated skillet maintained at medium temperature. Grill approximately 3-4 minutes per side until bread achieves golden-brown perfection and cheese melts luxuriously.
6. Extract sandwiches, permit momentary cooling. Slice diagonally, presenting alongside extra marinara for optional dipping indulgence.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent toughness, using gentle, consistent pressure when pounding.
• Enhance breading adherence by letting coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying, allowing the coating to set and create a crispier texture.
• Control heat while grilling sandwiches to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning, adjusting flame to medium-low if needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg