This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a glorious mashup of two comfort food legends: the crispy, saucy goodness of Chicken Parmesan and the gooey, golden perfection of grilled cheese. It’s everything you want in a sandwich—melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, savory chicken, and buttery toasted bread. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner, a weekend treat, or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this sandwich delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of sourdough or Italian bread
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or thinly sliced
- ½ cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Provolone or fontina cheese for extra richness
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- If using fresh chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side).
- Let rest for a few minutes, then shred or slice thinly.
- If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred and warm slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each bread slice. This will be the outer layer that crisps up in the pan.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken.
- Add dried basil and a pinch of garlic powder for flavor depth.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of butter or olive oil.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow the cheese to melt fully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing—it helps the cheese set slightly.
- Slice diagonally for that classic grilled cheese look.
- Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
🌟 Tips & Variations:
- Make it crispy: Use breaded chicken cutlets for a crunchier texture.
- Add greens: Toss in a few spinach leaves or arugula for a peppery bite.
- Spice it up: A dash of chili flakes or hot sauce adds a fiery kick.
- Go gourmet: Swap in ciabatta or focaccia for a bakery-style upgrade.
This sandwich is a flavor-packed powerhouse—perfect for when you want something indulgent but easy. Want to pair it with a side like garlic parmesan potato wedges or a refreshing cucumber salad? I’ve got ideas for that too!