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
Scale
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.
