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This hearty Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible sandwich. The crispy breaded chicken pairs perfectly with gooey cheese and tangy marinara, all grilled between buttery slices of bread for a meal that satisfies both chicken parm and grilled cheese cravings at once.
I first created this sandwich when my family couldn't decide between Italian night and grilled cheese for dinner. The combination was such a hit that it quickly became our most requested special lunch when friends come over.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the foundation of your sandwich that provides protein and substance
- Marinara sauce: use high quality for best flavor as it provides the classic Italian flavor profile
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: provides that essential stretchy cheese pull when melted
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds sharp savory notes that elevate the entire sandwich
- Italian breadcrumbs: creates the crispy coating that makes chicken parmesan special
- Flour: helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken
- Large egg: beaten acts as the binding agent for the breading process
- Garlic powder, oregano, basil: these classic Italian herbs create authentic flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste: always adjust seasonings to your preference
- Bread slices: choose sturdy varieties like Italian sourdough or good sandwich bread
- Butter: softened creates the golden crispy exterior when grilled
- Olive oil: used for cooking the chicken to crispy perfection
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Flatten the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment and pound to an even half inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures quick even cooking and creates the perfect size for sandwiches. Taking time with this step prevents having thick parts that cook slower than thin parts.
- Season the Chicken:
- Apply salt pepper garlic powder oregano and basil evenly across both sides of the flattened chicken. These seasonings should be well distributed to infuse flavor throughout the meat rather than just on the surface. Be generous but not overwhelming with the herbs.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Set up three shallow dishes in sequence with flour in the first beaten egg in the second and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in the third. Dredge each piece thoroughly in flour shaking off excess then coat completely in egg ensuring no dry spots remain finally press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to create an even coating that will become gorgeously crispy when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place breaded chicken carefully into the hot oil cooking for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exterior should develop a rich golden color while maintaining juicy meat inside. Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly before slicing to retain juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread marinara sauce in a thin even layer on each bread slice. Arrange sliced chicken on four of the slices add more marinara generously distribute mozzarella and sprinkle with additional Parmesan. The cheese should completely cover the chicken to ensure proper melting. Top with remaining bread slices sauce side down pressing gently.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Butter the exterior of each sandwich completely edge to edge. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat the perfect temperature allows slow enough cooking for cheese to melt while bread turns golden. Cook each sandwich 3 to 4 minutes per side applying gentle pressure with a spatula occasionally to ensure even contact with the pan.
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My favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese stretch into long delicious strands when you pull the sandwich halves apart. My daughter calls this the cheese waterfall moment and we always pause to appreciate it before taking that first incredible bite.
Perfect Bread Selection
The choice of bread makes a significant difference in this recipe. Italian bread provides authentic flavor that complements the chicken parmesan components while sourdough offers tangy notes that enhance the overall taste profile. Avoid very soft breads that might become soggy from the marinara sauce. A slightly thicker cut about threequarters of an inch works best creating the ideal ratio of bread to filling.
Make It Your Own
This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences. Consider adding thinly sliced pepperoni for additional spice and flavor or incorporating fresh basil leaves between the chicken and cheese for brightness. Some family members prefer provolone instead of mozzarella for its more pronounced flavor while others enjoy adding a layer of sautéed spinach for more vegetable content. The foundation remains the same but these personal touches make it uniquely yours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches alongside a simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal pair with zucchini fries or sweet potato wedges. Always have extra warm marinara available for dipping as the combination of the crispy buttery exterior dunked in additional sauce creates another dimension of flavor. For gatherings consider cutting into smaller quarters secured with decorative toothpicks for an elegant appetizer version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Sturdy bread like Italian, sourdough, or high-quality sandwich bread is ideal for holding the fillings and grilling.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this dish?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply reheat and slice it before assembling the sandwiches.
- → How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to taste for an extra cheesy experience.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and cook the chicken in advance, then reheat it in the oven before assembling the sandwiches.