This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all sandwiched between golden, buttery toasted bread. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and Italian flavors!
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
✅ For the Chicken:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced or pounded)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
✅ For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or Italian bread works best)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breast into thin cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set up a breading station:
- Plate 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the egg.
- Plate 3: Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the egg, and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Butter one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with a little garlic powder (for extra flavor).
- Flip the bread slices over (buttered side down) and spread marinara sauce on the unbuttered sides.
- Place a layer of mozzarella cheese, a crispy chicken cutlet, and more cheese on top.
- Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and oregano, then top with another slice of bread (buttered side facing up).
3. Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
🍽️ Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
🧄 Pair with a side salad or crispy fries.
🌿 Garnish with fresh basil for added freshness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use frozen breaded chicken or pre-cooked chicken cutlets. Just heat them according to the package instructions before assembling the sandwich.
Q: What type of bread works best?
A: Thick-cut bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread works best. It holds up well to the cheese and sauce without getting soggy.
Q: Can I make this sandwich in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, assemble the sandwich and air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the chicken for breaded eggplant slices or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best texture.
This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is an easy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy! 😍🧀🍗
