If you’re craving a comforting twist on two beloved classics, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe. It’s everything you love about crispy, breaded chicken parmesan marrying perfectly melted cheeses, all tucked inside golden, buttery grilled bread. This sandwich boasts a beautiful balance of textures and flavors — from the juicy, herb-seasoned chicken to the tangy marinara and the gooey mozzarella and Parmesan – making it a truly irresistible meal that’s just incredible to bite into.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the flavorful herbs that season the chicken to the creamy cheeses that melt perfectly inside the sandwich, every item is a small piece of delicious harmony.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: For tender, juicy chicken that serves as the hearty centerpiece.
- Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, luscious texture we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty punch, perfectly complementing the mozzarella.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy, golden crust for the chicken.
- Flour: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken for that perfect crispy coating.
- Large egg (beaten): Binds the breading to the chicken to seal in flavor and crunch.
- Garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil: Infuse the chicken with classic Italian herb goodness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every bite.
- Bread slices (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread): The canvas that holds all the deliciousness together.
- Butter (softened): For that golden, crispy crust on the outside of the sandwich.
- Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken evenly and keep it juicy inside.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender. Next, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil — these herbs infuse the chicken with classic Italian flavor that’s key to this recipe’s appeal.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken for a Perfect Crispy Coating
Set up three shallow dishes to create a breading station: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and the third with the Italian breadcrumbs mixed together with grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly to ensure a crunchy, golden crust after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes; this step keeps the juices locked in so every bite is succulent. Then slice the chicken into strips, ready for sandwich assembly.
Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice—this adds tangy moisture and flavor. On half of the slices, layer the sliced chicken, a spoonful of marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Finish by topping each with the remaining bread slices, making sure the marinara-coated sides meet the filling to keep the sandwich moist and delicious inside.
Step 5: Grill to Crispy, Cheesy Delight
Butter the outside of each sandwich generously on both sides. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the sandwiches on it. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until the bread is beautifully golden and crisp, and the cheese inside has melted into a gooey, irresistible layer of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Remove your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe from the skillet and allow them to rest just briefly before slicing in half. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping — it’s the perfect final touch that brings all the flavors bursting out in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of bright herby freshness. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan just before serving adds a beautiful salty finish that echoes the cheese inside. For a little extra kick, some crushed red pepper flakes on the side are a fantastic option.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that don’t overwhelm. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can lighten the meal and balance the richness of the cheese and fried chicken. Alternatively, serve with garlic roasted veggies or classic crispy French fries for a satisfying, hearty meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe on a wooden cutting board or rustic plate, layering some fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes around for color and freshness. You can also cut the sandwiches into smaller sliders for parties or casual gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy. Dipping bowls filled with marinara or pesto sauce add both flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe, store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the bread from becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture. This way, your sandwich stays fresher longer and reheats more pleasantly.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead in batches, you can freeze the fully assembled but ungrilled sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sandwiches will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before grilling.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these sandwiches while preserving their crispy exterior and melty cheese is to use a skillet or oven rather than a microwave. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook each side for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly grilled charm just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken to make this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Simply slice the chicken and layer it in the sandwich with the marinara and cheeses, then grill as usual. You might lose a bit of the crispy breading but still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
What type of bread works best for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe?
Bread choice can make a big difference. Italians, sourdough, and sturdy sandwich breads all work amazingly well because they hold up to the fillings and get perfectly crispy when grilled. Avoid very soft or thin slices as they can become soggy and fall apart easily.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
Definitely! You can substitute the breaded chicken with breaded eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms, which also pair beautifully with marinara and cheeses. This variation keeps the essence of the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe but takes it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free versions, and use your favorite gluten-free bread. The process remains the same, and you won’t miss out on any of the flavors or textures that make this recipe so special.
How can I make these sandwiches more kid-friendly?
Choosing milder cheeses and cutting the sandwich into smaller, manageable pieces works wonders for kids. You can also reduce or omit the herbs if your little eaters prefer simpler flavors, and serve with fun dipping sauces to make mealtime exciting.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself or impress friends with something that feels both familiar and exciting, the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is your go-to. It’s an explosion of comforting flavors, crispy textures, and melty cheese that’s just too good to resist. Trust me, once you try making this at home, it will instantly become one of your all-time favorite sandwiches to pull together for lunch or dinner. So grab those ingredients and get ready for a truly delicious experience!
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Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and hearty Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwich that combines crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and buttery toasted bread for a comforting meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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
Sandwich
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of your favorite 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 them 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.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up 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, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons 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 (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest; then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. On half the slices, layer the sliced chicken, additional marinara sauce, 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 slices. Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for a minute or two. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with optional extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can use any firm bread like Italian, sourdough, or classic sandwich bread depending on your preference.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any food safety issues; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Serve with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.
- Butter the bread generously for a golden, crunchy crust.
