Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a quick and comforting meal combining tender cooked chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, toasted to golden perfection between thick slices of buttery bread. Perfect for any meal of the day, this easy recipe offers a cheesy, crispy twist on classic comfort food with customizable ingredients to suit your taste.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, Italian, or country white)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for toasting
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Optional Variations
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice
- Gluten-free bread alternative
- Grilled eggplant or mushrooms for vegetarian option
- Different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish or inside sandwich
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred or slice the cooked chicken breast and grate the parmesan cheese if needed. Have the mozzarella cheese ready. Warm the marinara sauce gently to avoid soggy bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay one slice of bread flat and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on it. Layer the chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning if desired. Cover with the second slice of bread.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter or brush olive oil on the outer sides of both bread slices to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill Your Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press gently with a spatula to help meld the ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute to prevent filling from spilling. Slice diagonally and serve warm.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to avoid sogginess and maintain crispiness.
- Do not overload the sandwich filling to prevent leakage and ensure even grilling.
- Grill on medium heat for perfect cheese melt without burning the bread.
- Press the sandwich lightly during grilling for better cohesion of ingredients.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Quick Meal, Italian-American, Sandwich