Chicken Parmesan grilled cheese

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Now that is a glorious mashup of comfort food classics! A Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwich takes all the elements of Chicken Parm—the crispy, seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella—and stuffs them between two slices of golden, buttery, grilled bread.

Here’s how to make this decadent and delicious sandwich.

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

This recipe is designed to use leftover breaded chicken (like cutlets or tenders), but includes a quick method for making it from scratch.

Yields: 2 sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

· 1 large chicken breast (about ½ lb), or 2-4 breaded chicken tenders
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour
· 1 large egg, beaten
· ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Olive oil, for pan-frying

For the Sandwiches:

· 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas Toast are perfect)
· 2 tablespoons softened butter or mayonnaise (for the outside of the bread)
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ cup marinara sauce, warmed
· 4-6 fresh basil leaves (optional, but highly recommended)
· Optional: 2-4 slices of provolone cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using raw chicken breast:

  1. Pound & Season: Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Cut it into two cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with ¼ cup Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
    · Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
    · Dip in the egg, letting excess drip off.
    · Press firmly into the panko mixture to coat.
  3. Pan-Fry: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

If using pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders/cutlets:

· Simply warm them through according to package directions or in an air fryer to re-crisp.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Prepare the Bread: Spread the softened butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outer crust.
  2. Build the Sandwich (on the unbuttered sides):
    · Place one slice of bread, unbuttered-side-up.
    · Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
    · Place the cooked chicken cutlet or tenders on the cheese.
    · Spoon a generous amount of warm marinara sauce over the chicken. Don’t over-sauce, or the bread will get soggy.
    · Add fresh basil leaves and another light sprinkle of Parmesan.
    · Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
    · Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side-out.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

  1. Cook Low and Slow: Wipe out the skillet you used for the chicken (or use a clean one) and place it over medium-low heat.
  2. Grill: Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid (this is key—it traps heat and ensures the cheese melts completely).
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip Carefully: Uncover, carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula, cover again, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is oozy and melted.
  5. Rest: Remove from the skillet and let rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This allows the cheese to set slightly.

Serving Suggestion

· Serve immediately with a small cup of extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Sandwich

· The Mayo vs. Butter Debate: Mayonnaise, made with oil and eggs, creates an incredibly even and crispy golden crust. Butter provides classic, rich flavor. You can’t go wrong with either!
· Prevent Sogginess: Warming the marinara sauce before assembling and using it sparingly prevents the bread from getting soggy.
· Double Cheese Power: Using a combination of shredded mozzarella (for the epic melt) and Parmesan (for salty, savory flavor) gives you the best of both worlds.
· Use a Lid! Covering the skillet is the secret to a warm, melted center without burning the bread.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook one or two sandwiches at a time to maintain the skillet’s temperature.

Enjoy this masterpiece of melted cheese and savory chicken parmesan, all hugged by crispy, golden bread

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