Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? And who can resist the classic flavors of chicken parmesan?
Now, imagine combining these two comfort food giants into one mouth-watering sandwich. That’s right, we’re talking about the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.
This recipe is the ultimate fusion of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your lunch game or impress your friends at a casual dinner, this sandwich is your golden ticket.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
To make your meal more complete and enjoyable, consider pairing the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich with these sides and accompaniments:
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.
Soup: Serve with a bowl of tomato basil soup for a classic combination. The acidity of the tomato soup complements the cheesy, savory flavors of the sandwich.
Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or garlic knots can be a tasty side, enhancing the Italian flavors of the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a nutritious and colorful side to your meal.
Potato Wedges or Fries: Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries can add a satisfying crunch and complement the sandwich well.
Pickles: Serve with a side of pickles or a small pickle salad. The acidity and crunch can balance the richness of the sandwich.
Coleslaw: A light coleslaw with a tangy dressing can add a refreshing and crunchy side that pairs well with the sandwich.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese can be a great addition to your meal.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad or a side of fresh berries can provide a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich.
Dipping Sauces: Offer extra marinara sauce or a basil pesto for dipping the sandwich. This can enhance the flavor and provide an extra layer of enjoyment.
These suggestions will help round out your meal, making it a satisfying and delightful dining experience. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some Tips & Tricks to help you make the best Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
Flatten the Chicken Evenly: When pounding the chicken breasts, make sure they are of even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly, preventing undercooked or overcooked spots.
Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skip seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich.
Double-Coat the Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice. This creates a thicker crust that stays crispy longer.
Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken and evenly browns the sandwich.
Control the Heat: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to get a good sear without burning the breadcrumbs. When grilling the sandwich, use medium heat to ensure the bread gets golden brown and the cheese melts without burning the bread.
Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the bread slices. This ensures an even, golden-brown crust when grilling.
Prevent Soggy Sandwiches: To avoid a soggy sandwich, let the chicken cool slightly and pat off any excess oil before assembling. Also, don’t overload the sandwich with too much marinara sauce.
Cheese Distribution: Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the sandwich. This ensures every bite has a perfect amount of gooey, melted cheese.
Cover While Grilling: If the cheese isn’t melting quickly enough while the bread is toasting, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt faster.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices and keeps it moist when sliced.
Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the sandwiches immediately after grilling while they’re hot and the cheese is melted.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are flavorful, crispy, and delicious every time.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, can save time and still deliver great flavor.
What other cheeses work well?
While mozzarella and parmesan are classics, you can try provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut Italian loaves work best. They hold up well to the fillings and grill nicely.
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ 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 of your favorite bread Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Bread the Chicken:Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, the beaten egg in the second, and the Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese in the third.Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice.Layer half of the slices with the sliced chicken, more marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.Top each with the remaining bread slices, marinara side down, to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches:Butter the outside of each sandwich (both top and bottom slices).Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two.Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, perhaps with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Tips:
- Bread Choice: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling process. Italian bread, sourdough, or a good-quality sandwich bread works well.
- Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese if you like your sandwich extra cheesy.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality marinara sauce or homemade marinara for the best flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can bread and cook the chicken in advance. Simply reheat the chicken strips in the oven before assembling the sandwiches.