Description
The Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on two beloved classics. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a casual gathering. With its perfect balance of crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten egg in the second, and the Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese in the third. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken 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 about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer half of the slices with the sliced chicken, more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices, marinara side down, to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Butter the outside of each sandwich (both top and bottom slices). Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, perhaps with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Tips: Bread Choice: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling process. Italian bread, sourdough, or a good-quality sandwich bread works well. Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese if you like your sandwich extra cheesy. Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality marinara sauce or homemade marinara for the best flavor. Make Ahead: You can bread and cook the chicken in advance. Simply reheat the chicken strips in the oven before assembling the sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 652 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg