This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of chicken parmesan with the melty, buttery perfection of a grilled cheese. With golden brown bread, marinara sauce, crispy chicken, and gooey mozzarella, this sandwich is an easy and delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a handheld form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – Crunchy bread with melty mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – A fun, indulgent twist on two classics.
- Great for Any Meal – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack.
- Customizable – Use different breads, cheeses, or even a spicy marinara.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cooked breaded chicken cutlets (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
- If using frozen breaded chicken, cook according to package directions.
- If making homemade, coat chicken in breadcrumbs and pan-fry until golden and cooked through.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side, spread marinara sauce.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, a cooked chicken cutlet, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
3. Cook Until Golden & Melty
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Cut in half and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes to the marinara.
- Garlic Bread Style – Spread garlic butter on the bread before grilling.
- Extra Cheesy – Add provolone or more Parmesan.
- Low-Carb Option – Use low-carb bread or serve as a chicken parm melt.
- Vegetarian – Use breaded eggplant slices instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended (bread will become soggy).
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes! Slice fresh mozzarella thinly for better melting.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or Texas toast for the best crunch.
How do I keep the bread from burning?
Cook on medium-low heat to allow cheese to melt without burning.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Use shredded rotisserie chicken and mix with marinara.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of both works best.
Can I add pepperoni?
Yes! Layer pepperoni inside for a fun twist.
How do I make this extra crispy?
Brush the bread with garlic butter before grilling.
Can I use different sauces?
Yes! Try pesto or Alfredo instead of marinara for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the best parts of a crispy chicken parm and a melty grilled cheese. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a snack, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, crispy bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Sandwich
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This crispy, cheesy, and flavorful grilled cheese combines the best of Chicken Parmesan and a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With golden-breaded chicken, gooey melted cheese, marinara sauce, and buttery toasted bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 small chicken breast, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices of thick bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or Texas toast)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Bread & Cook the Chicken
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the egg.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the chicken breast in flour, dip into egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and slice into thin strips.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side, layer:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Chicken Parmesan strips
- A spoonful of marinara sauce
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan (optional)
- More mozzarella
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
3. Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Slice in half and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Make it crispy: Use garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Add a spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs.