Description
A delicious and comforting Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwich combining crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and savory marinara sauce all grilled to golden perfection. This recipe blends Italian flavors with a classic grilled cheese twist, perfect for a hearty 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
Breading Station
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sandwich
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil evenly.
- 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 first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into the beaten egg; finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
- 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 golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet 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, a little more marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with remaining bread slices, sauce side down, to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Butter the outside of each sandwich on both top and bottom bread slices. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches on skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts fully.
- 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
- Use any sturdy bread like Italian, sourdough, or classic sandwich bread for best results.
- Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Cooking the chicken first allows it to cook thoroughly without overcooking the bread when grilling the sandwiches.
- Butter the bread well to achieve a crispy, golden grilled crust.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Cheese, Italian Sandwich, Breaded Chicken, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner
