Save This crispy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese transforms your favorite Italian dish into an irresistible handheld meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional chicken parm with the gooey satisfaction of a perfect grilled cheese. I created this recipe when my teenagers needed a quick but impressive dinner before heading to sports practice, and it's become our go-to Friday night meal ever since.
I first made these sandwiches during a busy weeknight when I needed something substantial but quick. What started as a creative way to use leftover chicken parmesan has become our most requested family meal, especially on movie nights when we want something handheld but still special.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly pounded for quick cooking and tender texture
- Salt and black pepper: enhances the natural flavor of the chicken
- All purpose flour: creates the first layer of the crispy coating
- Large egg: acts as the glue that helps breadcrumbs adhere
- Italian style breadcrumbs: provides seasoning and crispy texture
- Parmesan cheese: adds nutty flavor to the breading
- Olive oil: gives a beautiful golden crust when frying
- For the Sandwich: Sourdough or Italian bread sturdy enough to hold fillings while providing great flavor
- Unsalted butter: creates that perfect golden exterior and rich taste
- Marinara sauce: adds moisture and tangy tomato flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: delivers that signature stretchy cheese pull
- Parmesan cheese: provides sharp, salty notes that balance the rich mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves: optional but adds bright, aromatic freshness
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until they reach an even half-inch thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking while making the chicken tender. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to build flavor from the ground up.
- Create Your Breading Station:
- Arrange three shallow dishes in sequence. Place flour in the first dish, whisk egg with water until frothy in the second dish, and combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan in the third dish. This organized setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess. This dry layer helps the egg adhere properly. Next, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides completely and pressing gently to create a solid crust.
- Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place breaded chicken in the hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be crispy outside and juicy inside. Transfer to a cutting board and slice to fit your bread.
- Assemble Your Sandwiches:
- Butter one side of each bread slice for that classic grilled cheese exterior. Place four slices butter side down on your work surface. Layer each with sliced chicken, marinara sauce, a generous handful of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The combination of cheeses creates the perfect melt and flavor. Top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Grill to Melty Perfection:
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. The bread should become golden and crisp while the cheese melts completely, creating that irresistible gooey center.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once perfectly grilled, remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for one minute. Slice diagonally for the best presentation and cheese pull effect. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Save The marinara sauce is truly the secret hero of this recipe. I always keep a jar of high quality sauce in my pantry, but when tomatoes are in season, I make a quick homemade version by simmering crushed San Marzano tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and crispy chicken, creating the perfect balance in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
You can prepare the breaded chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper. This makes weeknight assembly incredibly quick. You can also fully cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes before assembling your sandwiches. The crisp exterior will revive beautifully without drying out the meat.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter version, use baked or air fried chicken instead of pan fried. Simply spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating will still get crispy while using significantly less oil.
No Italian breadcrumbs? Make your own by adding 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder to plain breadcrumbs. In a pinch, crushed crackers or even cornflakes can stand in for breadcrumbs, offering a different but equally delicious crunch.
Gluten sensitive diners can enjoy this too by using gluten free bread and substituting the regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten free alternatives. The taste remains fantastic, and nobody will know the difference.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty sandwiches pair perfectly with lighter sides that balance their richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a peppery counterpoint. For a classic diner experience, serve alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food dipping combination.
For an Italian themed dinner party, cut these sandwiches into quarters and serve as hearty appetizers alongside antipasto skewers and a selection of Italian wines. Your guests will be impressed by this elevated take on familiar favorites.
Save These sandwiches are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy bread and perfectly melted cheese. They are a delightful treat for any meal.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the crispiest chicken for the sandwich?
Pound the chicken to an even thickness, dredge thoroughly through flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, and fry in hot oil until golden on each side.
- → Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, sourdough or Italian bread is classic for this sandwich, but feel free to use any sturdy bread that toasts well.
- → Is it possible to use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely. Substitute with rotisserie or leftover chicken for a quicker preparation, adding extra cheese for moisture and flavor.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella provides meltiness and stretch, while Parmesan adds savory depth. Add provolone for a richer flavor if you like.
- → How can I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Butter the bread well and keep the marinara sauce layer thin to avoid excess moisture; griddling on medium heat creates a crisp crust.
- → What side dishes pair well?
This sandwich pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a balanced, comforting meal.