This Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a crispy, cheesy, and juicy handheld twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. The chicken is smashed thin on the Blackstone griddle for maximum crispiness, then topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and served on a toasted bun. It’s the perfect mix of crispy, saucy, and cheesy goodness, all packed into a delicious sandwich!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra Crispy Chicken – Smashed thin for a perfect crunch.
- Fast & Easy – Cooks in just 10 minutes on the Blackstone.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade flavors with a crispy crust.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day eats.
- Customizable – Use different cheeses, sauces, or toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or Panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich rolls (brioche, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
- Place each cutlet between parchment paper and pound thin with a meat mallet or rolling pin (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Bread the Chicken
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
3. Preheat the Blackstone Griddle
- Heat the Blackstone to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
- Drizzle olive oil on the griddle.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the griddle.
- Use a burger press or spatula to lightly press them down for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Melt the Cheese
- Spoon warm marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and cover with a melting dome for 1-2 minutes, until melted.
6. Toast the Buns
- Spread butter on the sandwich rolls and toast on the Blackstone for 1-2 minutes.
7. Assemble & Serve
- Place the cheesy chicken on the toasted buns.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Garlic Butter Buns – Brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting.
- Extra Crispy Version – Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve on lettuce wraps or over zucchini noodles.
- Cheese Lovers – Add provolone or smoked gouda for extra cheesiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Blackstone – Reheat on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven – Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Do I have to smash the chicken?
Smashing creates a crispier texture, but you can leave them thicker if preferred.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Brioche, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls hold up best to the sauce and cheese.
Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
Yes! Just cook and assemble on the Blackstone for a quicker meal.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Can I make this without a Blackstone griddle?
Yes! Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat using the same method.
What sides go well with this sandwich?
Try garlic fries, Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or onion rings.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Try roasted red peppers, arugula, or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the buns and don’t add too much sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Can I make a baked version instead?
Yes! Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, then broil with cheese and sauce.
Conclusion
This Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic Chicken Parm. Quick to cook and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, it’s perfect for a casual dinner, meal prep, or a weekend cookout. Fire up your Blackstone and enjoy a next-level sandwich today!
Print
Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a crispy, juicy chicken sandwich topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, cooked to perfection on a griddle.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sandwich rolls or buns
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium heat.
- Butter the sandwich rolls and toast them on the griddle until golden; set aside.
- Flatten the chicken breasts between plastic wrap to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Dredge chicken breasts lightly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil on the griddle and place the floured chicken on it.
- Use a heavy spatula or press to smash the chicken flat on the griddle.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella slices.
- Cover with a dome lid or pan to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing the chicken on the toasted buns and garnishing with basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with Italian seasoning before flouring.
- Use a dome lid or a large metal bowl to help melt the cheese faster on the griddle.
- Choose high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
