Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A crispy chicken parmesan and grilled cheese fusion featuring golden-fried cutlets, zesty marinara, and melted mozzarella between garlicky bread.

# What You Need:

→ 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 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, optional

# Directions:

01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally in half to create 4 thin cutlets of uniform thickness.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
03 - Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in beaten 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. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
05 - Mix softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl until combined. Spread evenly on one side of each bread slice.
06 - Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer each with a fried chicken cutlet, a spoonful of 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 brown and cheese is melted completely.
08 - Remove from heat, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • It brings together two comfort food classics in one ridiculously satisfying bite that feels like a hug.
  • The garlicky buttered crust adds a layer of flavor that makes every sandwich shop version pale in comparison.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead and assemble sandwiches in minutes when hunger strikes.
  • Its impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
02 -
  • Do not skip warming the marinara sauce, cold sauce will make the cheese seize up and the bread soggy.
  • Keep the heat at medium low when grilling or the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
  • Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute so excess oil drains off and doesnt make the sandwich greasy.
  • Press the sandwiches gently while grilling but dont smash them flat or all the fillings will squeeze out the sides.
03 -
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara for a subtle kick that wakes up all the flavors.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for grilling, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread an incredible crust.
  • If your bread is browning too fast, lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt.
  • Try sprinkling a little extra Parmesan on the buttered bread before grilling for an extra crispy, cheesy crust.
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