Description
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort-food crossover, combining two beloved classics into one irresistible sandwich. Crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese are layered between golden, buttery slices of bread and grilled to perfection. This easy yet indulgent sandwich delivers bold Italian flavors with the cozy satisfaction of a traditional grilled cheese—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Busy home cooks looking for a restaurant-style sandwich at home
- Fans of Italian-American comfort food
- Families who want a filling and kid-friendly meal
- Anyone craving something cheesy, crispy, and deeply satisfying
- Leftover chicken lovers seeking a creative way to reuse it
Why It’s Great
- Combines Chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese in one dish
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients
- Easily customizable with extra cheeses or sauces
- Perfect balance of crispy, melty, and saucy textures
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Breaded Chicken
- 2 chicken cutlets (4–5 oz each), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for pan-frying
For Each Sandwich
- 2 slices thick Italian bread or sourdough
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Sliced provolone cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Shallow bowls or plates (for breading station)
- Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels (for draining chicken)
Instructions
1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Coat each cutlet in flour, dip into egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and slice into strips.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice butter-side down in a cool skillet. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by chicken strips, marinara sauce, grated Parmesan, basil (if using), and remaining mozzarella. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
3. Grill Until Golden
Turn heat to medium-low and cook until the bottom is crispy and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is fully melted. Gently press with a spatula for even browning.
4. Serve
Let the sandwich rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with extra warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Assembled Sandwich: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispness.
FAQ
Can I use leftover or store-bought chicken?
Yes! Breaded chicken tenders, leftover chicken cutlets, or even rotisserie chicken work well and save time.
What cheese works best for this sandwich?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend adds extra depth.
Can I bake this instead of pan-grilling?
Absolutely. Bake assembled sandwiches at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
How can I make it extra crispy?
Swap butter for a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is everything you want in a comfort meal—crispy, cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re upgrading lunch, using up leftover chicken, or indulging in a cozy dinner, this sandwich delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Serve it hot, dip it generously, and enjoy the perfect blend of Italian flair and classic grilled cheese goodness.
