Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines the classic Italian flavors of breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts coated in Parmesan-infused breadcrumbs, cooked to golden perfection, then layered with cheese and sauce between buttery toasted bread slices for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken and Breading
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sandwich Assembly
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil thoroughly.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes with flour, beaten egg, and a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest before slicing into strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. On half the slices, layer sliced chicken, more marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with remaining bread slices, sauce side down.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Butter the outside of each sandwich on both top and bottom slices. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet and let cool for a minute or two. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, optionally with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even chicken thickness for uniform cooking.
- Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan provide extra flavor and a crispier crust.
- Butter the bread generously to achieve a perfect golden crust when grilling.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with chicken tenders for a quicker prep and cooking time.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Cheese, Italian Sandwich, Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Skillet Sandwich