Description
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella and Marinara. Comforting combo of breaded chicken, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara. Crowd-pleasing and indulgently delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each), pounded to ¼-inch thickness
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for bread
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 slices sourdough bread (Italian bread works well too)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 oz (115g) provolone cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by placing chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in the third. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing each cutlet in half crosswise to fit the sandwiches better.
- Step 3: Prepare Sandwich Components While the chicken rests, spread the outside of each bread slice with softened butter. Flip the bread over and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. For extra flavor, mix 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan with the butter before spreading on the bread exterior.
- Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches Place a bread slice butter-side down on your work surface. Layer with some provolone cheese, add half a chicken cutlet, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of additional marinara over the chicken, add sliced mozzarella, and finish with more provolone. Top with another bread slice, marinara-side down and butter-side up. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 4 sandwiches.
- Step 5: Grill to Perfection Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwiches on the hot surface and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure even browning and melting. Cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes to help the cheese melt completely if needed. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 700 calories
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 1400 mg
- Fat: 40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg