Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A fusion sandwich combining crispy chicken parmesan with classic grilled cheese, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella on garlic bread.

# Components:

→ Crispy Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Sandwich Assembly

11 - 8 slices Italian bread or sourdough
12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
14 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
15 - 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, optional

# Method:

01 - Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets of uniform thickness.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls with flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in the third.
03 - Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then coat generously with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
05 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic and mix until evenly distributed.
06 - Place 4 bread slices on a clean surface with buttered side down. Layer each with a fried chicken cutlet, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
07 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Slice sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It brings together two comfort food classics in a way that feels indulgent but totally doable on a weeknight.
  • The crispy chicken stays crunchy even after you press it between gooey cheese and buttery bread.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead and assemble sandwiches in minutes when hunger strikes.
  • It makes everyone at the table feel like they just ordered something off a secret menu.
02 -
  • Don't crank the heat too high when grilling the sandwiches or the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
  • Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute before assembling so the sandwiches don't get soggy.
  • Warm your marinara sauce before adding it to the sandwich, cold sauce will cool down the cheese and chicken.
03 -
  • Press down gently but firmly with your spatula while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread crisp up.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives you the most even golden crust.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you grill the rest.
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