Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Golden garlicky bread envelops crispy chicken, marinara, and melted mozzarella in a delicious fusion.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crispy Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
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, 1/2 inch depth for frying

→ Sandwich

11 - 8 slices Italian or sourdough bread
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)

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to yield four thin cutlets.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls containing flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper respectively.
03 - Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
04 - Heat vegetable oil to a 1/2 inch depth in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
05 - Combine softened butter with minced garlic; spread mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
06 - Place four bread slices buttered-side down. Layer each with a fried chicken cutlet, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves if using. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
07 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Grill sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
08 - Slice sandwiches and serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It combines two iconic comfort foods into one ridiculously satisfying sandwich.
  • The crispy, cheesy chicken cutlet nestled in buttery garlic bread feels like a warm hug.
  • It's impressive enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight craving.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, and you can prep the chicken ahead of time.
02 -
  • Don't skip slicing the chicken thin, thick cutlets won't cook evenly and will make the sandwich hard to bite through.
  • Use medium-low heat when grilling the sandwiches or the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
  • Warm your marinara sauce before assembling so it doesn't cool down the chicken or cheese.
  • Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken so they don't fall off during frying.
03 -
  • Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels for a minute before assembling so excess oil doesn't make the bread soggy.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for grilling, it distributes heat evenly and gives you the best golden crust.
  • If your bread is sliced thick, press down gently with a spatula while grilling to help everything meld together.
  • Make extra garlic butter and brush it on the outside of the bread halfway through grilling for extra flavor.
Go Back