Introduction
Craving comfort food with a twist? This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese takes two classic dishes—grilled cheese and chicken parmesan—and combines them into one mouthwatering sandwich. With juicy chicken, gooey mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and crispy golden bread, this sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this grilled cheese is an irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is a fun and indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of chicken parmesan without all the fuss of a full meal. The mozzarella melts perfectly, creating that signature cheese pull, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite. The addition of marinara sauce brings in a tangy, tomatoey flavor that elevates the sandwich to new heights. Plus, using sourdough or any sturdy bread ensures a crispy, crunchy exterior while keeping everything gooey and cheesy inside.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough or any sturdy bread)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, start by seasoning a chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully done, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once the chicken has cooled, shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each slice of bread. This will give your sandwich that classic chicken parmesan flavor.
On one slice of bread, layer the shredded or sliced chicken over the marinara. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken. For extra flavor, sprinkle dried basil and garlic powder over the cheese.
Place the second slice of bread on top, with the sauce side facing down.
3. Cook the Sandwich
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once the oil or butter is hot, carefully place the sandwich in the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwich to help the cheese melt evenly and create that satisfying crunch.
4. Serve
Once the sandwich is golden and crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half. Serve it hot, and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness of this chicken parmesan-inspired grilled cheese.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese
- Use Sturdy Bread: Sourdough or another sturdy bread works best to hold up to the filling without getting soggy. Make sure it can handle the marinara sauce and melted cheese.
- Low and Slow: Cook your sandwich on medium heat to ensure the bread crisps up without burning, while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
- Press Gently: Using a spatula to press down on the sandwich while grilling helps create a crispy, golden crust and ensures the cheese melts evenly throughout.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for this sandwich, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or fontina could add even more depth of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on the chicken before grilling.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for eggplant or zucchini slices to make a delicious vegetarian version of this sandwich.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich back in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
Food and Drink Pairings
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese pairs well with a light side salad or a cup of tomato soup for a classic comfort food combination. As for drinks, a chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir, would complement the sandwich’s flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cook it in the skillet when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What type of bread works best?
A: Sourdough or any sturdy bread like ciabatta or Italian bread is perfect for this sandwich because it holds up well to the fillings and gets nice and crispy when grilled.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella and Marinara
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Description
Enjoy a crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese with mozzarella and marinara, blending Italian flavors with classic comfort for the ultimate sandwich experience.
Ingredients
2 slices of bread (sourdough or any sturdy bread)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until fully done. Once cooled, shred or slice the chicken breast.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
Place the shredded chicken on top of the sauce on one slice.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
Optionally, sprinkle dried basil and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Top with the second slice of bread, sauce side down.
Cook the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling and a crispy crust.
Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Slice in half and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes