Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe – Cheesy Bliss

Ingenious chicken parmesan grilled cheese refines familiar comfort food into a mouthwatering culinary experience that bridges Italian-American flavors.

Crispy golden bread cradles tender, seasoned chicken beneath layers of rich, melted cheese.

Marinara sauce adds vibrant complexity to this hearty sandwich, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between crunchy exterior and soft, savory interior.

The combination elevates traditional grilled cheese with bold, satisfying ingredients that surprise and delight.

Passionate food lovers crave unexpected twists on familiar favorites that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Pairing Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese with Salads or Soups

  • Sip an Italian Red Wine Companion: Pair this grilled cheese with a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich marinara and melted cheese, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the sandwich's richness and add a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Grab a Cold Beer Buddy: Choose a light pilsner or crisp lager that will refresh your palate and balance the savory, cheesy chicken sandwich with its clean, subtle taste.
  • Add a Tangy Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick garlic aioli or marinara dip to enhance the sandwich's flavor profile and provide an extra layer of deliciousness for each bite.

Fun Variations of Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Italian Veggie Fusion: Swap chicken with grilled zucchini and eggplant slices, adding roasted red pepper for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • Spicy Buffalo Blast: Replace marinara with buffalo sauce, use blue cheese crumbles, and add crispy jalapeño slices for heat lovers.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary into the cheese mixture, using sourdough bread for a tangy base.
  • Pesto Chicken Melt: Spread homemade basil pesto instead of marinara, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and use provolone cheese for rich complexity.

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: A Cheesy, Savory Delight

  • Flavor Explosion: This grilled cheese transforms classic comfort food by blending Italian-inspired chicken parmesan with melty, gooey sandwich goodness, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies serious cravings.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 15 minutes and minimal ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with zero complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.
  • Protein-Packed Indulgence: Loaded with a whopping 70g of protein from chicken and cheeses, this sandwich offers a substantial meal that keeps hunger at bay while delivering rich, savory flavors that feel totally luxurious.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easy to personalize with different cheeses, spice levels, or leftover chicken, this versatile recipe welcomes creative twists while maintaining its core deliciousness and simple cooking method.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Bread:
  • Bread Slices: Sturdy white or sourdough bread that provides a crisp base for the sandwich and helps hold all ingredients together.
Proteins:
  • Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken adds substantial protein and hearty flavor to the grilled cheese, preferably shredded or diced.
Cheese:
  • Mozzarella, Parmesan: Mozzarella offers creamy melting quality, while Parmesan provides sharp, salty depth to enhance overall sandwich taste.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor profile.
  • Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Oregano: Herbs and spices that create an authentic Italian-inspired seasoning blend.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the sandwichs overall taste.
Cooking Fat:
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the sandwichs bread.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to create the perfect golden-brown environment for your grilled cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Slices

Generously spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices buttered side down on a clean surface, ready for delicious toppings.

Step 3: Layer Your Flavor Explosion

Build your sandwich with these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Cooked chicken pieces
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried basil
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 4: Top and Complete the Sandwich

Crown each sandwich with another bread slice, buttered side facing up.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and completely melted cheese.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve piping hot. Get ready for a flavor adventure that combines the best of grilled cheese and chicken parmesan!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Choose Quality Bread: Select thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast that can hold up to the juicy chicken and melted cheese.
  • Manage Cheese Melting: Grate fresh mozzarella for smoother, more even melting and better sandwich coverage.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-low heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts completely and bread becomes perfectly golden.
  • Prep Chicken Strategically: Shred or slice chicken thinly for easier layering and more consistent sandwich texture.
  • Add Extra Flavor Boost: Lightly toast the inside of bread with garlic butter before assembling to enhance overall taste and crispiness.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between sandwiches to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps up. Unwrap and enjoy the revived sandwich with its original gooey goodness.
  • Microwave Tip: While not ideal, you can reheat quickly in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and prevent soggy bread. For best results, finish in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to restore the crispy exterior.
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Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese merges two classic comfort dishes into one irresistible culinary creation. Crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce nestled between golden, buttery bread make this sandwich a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced (240 ml)

Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (240 ml)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (60 ml)

Bread and Seasonings:

  • 4 slices of Italian bread
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter (30 ml)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet or griddle to medium temperature, ensuring even heat distribution.
  2. Generously spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, creating a golden-brown foundation for the sandwich.
  3. Layer tender, pre-cooked chicken evenly across two bread slices, creating a protein-rich base.
  4. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, allowing it to slightly soak into the meat.
  5. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (about or ) to create a creamy layer.
  6. Dust the cheese with grated Parmesan (approximately or ), enhancing the savory profile.
  7. Season with a pinch of garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavor complexity.
  8. Carefully place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing upward.
  9. Transfer sandwiches to the preheated skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns a rich, golden-brown color.
  10. Flip sandwiches with a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the bread achieves a crispy texture.
  11. Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Elevate your grilled cheese game with this mouthwatering chicken parmesan fusion that combines classic comfort food with Italian-inspired flavors.
  • Perfectly crispy bread cradles juicy chicken, melted cheeses, and zesty marinara for a sandwich that’ll make your taste buds dance.
  • Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken to transform this recipe into a quick weeknight meal in under 15 minutes.
  • Customize your sandwich by experimenting with different cheese blends like provolone or adding fresh basil leaves for extra punch.
  • Pair with a simple side salad or marinara dipping sauce to complete this irresistible meal that bridges the gap between grilled cheese and chicken parmesan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 1,160 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 2,200mg
  • Fat: 64g
  • Saturated Fat: 36g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 84g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 70g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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