Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on two classic favorites. This sandwich combines crispy chicken, melty cheese, and savory marinara all grilled between buttery bread for a comforting, flavorful meal.

A close-up image of a sandwich held by a woman's hand over a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two layers of thick, soft bread slices with a golden-brown crust. Inside, the first layer is a melted creamy cheese with a smooth texture, followed by a layer of red tomato sauce with visible chunks and a slightly wet consistency, topped with a bright, melted cheese that looks stretchy and gooey. The bread looks fluffy and fresh, with the filling slightly spilling out on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan in the third.
Step 3: Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Step 6: Layer the cooked chicken cutlet on four slices of bread over the marinara. Top each with mozzarella cheese and a bit more marinara, then place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side out.
Step 7: Using a clean skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula for even grilling.
Step 8: Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then slice and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh basil leaves or sliced tomatoes inside the sandwich before grilling.
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer melt.
To lighten the recipe, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying.
Try using whole wheat or gluten-free bread if preferred.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a sandwich cut in half, held by a woman's hand. The sandwich has three layers: the bottom and top layers are thick, soft-looking light brown bread, slightly crusty outside. The middle has two layers of filling – the bottom filling is melted white cheese, smooth and gooey, and above that is a layer of chunky reddish-orange sauce with bits of tomato or meat. The two halves are placed on a white plate, against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, but the classic breading and frying step adds essential texture and flavor. If using pre-cooked chicken, layer it with marinara and cheese, then grill the sandwich as directed.

What type of bread works best for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?

Italian, sourdough, or sturdy sandwich bread work best because they hold up well to the fillings and grilling process without becoming soggy.

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwich brings together the comforting flavors of classic chicken parmesan with the melty goodness of a grilled cheese. Tender breaded chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then grilled between buttery slices of bread until golden and crispy. A perfect fusion of Italian and American comfort food ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup flour
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sandwich

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 slices of your favorite bread (Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
4 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

Prepare the chicken breasts: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Set up three separate bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into egg, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Assemble the sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice generously. On the unbuttered side of half of the bread slices, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Place the cooked chicken breast on top, then add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
Grill the sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice in half and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

For best results, use a sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian bread to hold up to the fillings and prevent sogginess.
To quicken cooking, you can simmer chicken breasts in marinara and cheese and then assemble the grilled cheese separately, but breading adds the classic crunch.
Feel free to add fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich for extra flavor.
This sandwich can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in a skillet or panini press for best texture.
Consider using a non-stick skillet and moderate heat to avoid burning the bread.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Cheese, Sandwich, Italian American, Comfort Food