If you’re a fan of both chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese sandwiches, this recipe is a game-changer. With crispy, buttery bread, melty mozzarella, savory marinara, and tender chicken, every bite is packed with flavor. This sandwich is easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough, ciabatta, 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 (for grilling)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for extra Italian flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra depth)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- If using leftover rotisserie chicken, simply shred or slice it.
- If cooking fresh chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook in a pan over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Shred or slice as desired.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice.
- On one slice, layer the chicken evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
- (Optional) Add dried basil and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, sauce side down.
3. Grill 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, pressing down gently with a spatula.
- Flip when the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted.
- If needed, add more butter or oil to crisp up the crust.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
- Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
✔ Use sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta to hold the fillings without getting soggy.
✔ Press the sandwich down while grilling for an even, crispy texture.
✔ Don’t rush! Let the cheese fully melt before removing it from the skillet.
✔ Make it crispy! For an even crunchier crust, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on the outer bread before grilling.
What to Serve With It?
- A fresh side salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic fries or sweet potato fries
- A warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping
- Extra marinara sauce for more of that Italian flavor
This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a quick and satisfying meal any time of the day. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked! 🍞🧀🍗