Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

🥪 Description:

This indulgent sandwich is a perfect marriage between two comfort food classics: Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Cheese. Crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and buttery toasted bread come together for a crunchy, melty, cheesy masterpiece that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

🍴 Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 2 cooked breaded chicken cutlets or chicken tenders (homemade or store-bought)

• 4 slices of thick-cut sourdough or Italian bread

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

• 2 tbsp butter (softened)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for crisping)

• Optional: fresh basil or Italian seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • If using frozen or refrigerated chicken tenders/cutlets, heat them according to package directions or your preferred method.

   • Slice if needed to fit the bread.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Butter one side of each bread slice.

   • On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer mozzarella, a spoonful of marinara, the chicken, more marinara, Parmesan, and another layer of mozzarella.

   • Top with the remaining slices, buttered side out.

3. Grill the Sandwich:

   • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

   • Grill the sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Add a little olive oil for extra crispiness if desired.

4. Serve:

   • Let rest for 1 minute before slicing. Garnish with basil or more Parmesan if desired.

📝 Notes:

• You can use rotisserie chicken, but breaded chicken adds the true “Chicken Parm” texture.

• Sourdough and Italian bread both work well. Avoid thin sandwich bread—it won’t hold the fillings.

• To avoid a soggy sandwich, use a thick marinara and don’t overload.

💡 Tips:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for spice.

• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone and mozzarella for deeper flavor.

• Pre-toast the inside of the bread (unbuttered side) before assembling for extra crunch.

• If making for a crowd, bake them all on a sheet pan at once in a hot oven (425°F/220°C) for 10 minutes after assembling.

🍽️ Servings:

2 sandwiches (can be doubled/tripled easily)

🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Sandwich – Approximate):

• Calories: ~600–750

• Protein: 35–40g

• Carbs: 40–50g

• Fat: 30–35g

• Fiber: 2–3g

• Sodium: ~900–1200mg

Values vary depending on bread, chicken type, and cheese used.

🌟 Benefits:

• Comfort food with protein-rich chicken and calcium-rich cheese.

• Great for quick lunches, game day, or cozy dinners.

• Easy to customize with herbs, veggies, or different cheeses.

• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly (freeze before grilling).

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate (up to 24 hours) or freeze (up to 1 month) before grilling.

Q: What cheese alternatives work well?
A: Try provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes—swap chicken with eggplant slices or breaded zucchini.

Q: What can I serve with this?
A: Tomato soup, Caesar salad, or garlic fries pair perfectly.