If you ever wished you could enjoy all the cheesy, saucy magic of your favorite Italian comfort food right inside a gooey, buttery sandwich, the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is your golden ticket. This crave-worthy mashup brings together crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and a bubbling duo of mozzarella and Parmesan, all tucked between perfectly toasted slices of bread. It’s a game changer for weeknight lunches, midnight snacks, or anytime you want to treat yourself to a little extra comfort—trust me, after one bite, you’ll be hooked!

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is refreshingly simple. Each one plays a starring role in creating that iconic melty, crunchy, saucy bite you’ll be dreaming about long after the last crumb disappears!

Sourdough or Italian bread (2 slices): Sturdy and flavorful, these breads toast up beautifully and stand up to all those hearty fillings.
Cooked breaded chicken (½ cup, sliced or shredded): This brings the classic chicken parm flavor—use leftovers or a crispy store-bought shortcut.
Marinara sauce (¼ cup): Rich tomato sauce adds zesty tang and keeps the sandwich juicy inside.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (¼ cup): The ooey-gooey melter that defines grilled cheese—don’t be shy!
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Brings that signature sharp, nutty punch and creates moments of crispy cheese magic on the crust or inside.
Softened butter (1 tablespoon): For golden, crisped bread that’s absolutely irresistible.
Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Adds a big boost of herby aroma that ties every flavor together.
Fresh basil leaves (optional): Scatter these in for a vibrant pop of color and freshness—your future self will thank you.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by generously spreading softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This buttery exterior is the secret to getting that golden, crackly crust that makes every bite of Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich truly unforgettable.

Step 2: Layer on the Good Stuff

Flip the bread so the buttered sides face out. On the unbuttered surface of one slice, arrange your mozzarella cheese as the foundation—this helps to anchor everything together as it melts. Next, layer on the breaded chicken (either neatly sliced or roughly shredded), followed by the marinara sauce, grated Parmesan, a dash (or more!) of Italian seasoning, and fresh basil leaves if you’re using them. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out, to form your sandwich.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium. Once hot, gently lay in your assembled sandwich. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down occasionally with a spatula for even browning and melty cheese. You’re looking for deep golden bread and cheese that’s gloriously gooey—go ahead, peek inside if you need to!

Step 4: Slice and Serve

When your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is perfectly crisp and melty, take it off the griddle and let it rest just a minute. Slice it in halves or triangles, and watch those cheesy strands stretch. Dive in while it’s warm for the most satisfying experience.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle a little more Parmesan or a handful of torn fresh basil over the top of your sandwich. If you love sauces, serve with a little extra marinara on the side for dipping—there’s nothing like that extra saucy bite!

Side Dishes

This sandwich is plenty hearty all on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple cup of tomato soup. Add some garlic-roasted veggies or a handful of kettle chips for an all-star lunch or dinner featuring Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich as the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your sandwich into strips or fingers for dunking, or serve mini versions (using baguette slices) as party appetizers. For a fun dinner twist, stack halves on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and a bowl of sauce for communal sharing—the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich never met a crowd it didn’t win over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra sandwich (though that’s a rare miracle!), let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bread may soften slightly but the flavors just keep getting better.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each fully-cooled sandwich in a layer of plastic and then foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich stays tender inside and crisp outside.

Reheating

For best results, unwrap and place your sandwich in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until hot and crisp again (about 3-4 minutes per side). You can also use a toaster oven—avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough and Italian bread bring great flavor and texture, you can swap in any sturdy loaf you love—whole wheat, ciabatta, even a baguette. Just make sure it can stand up to the filling and grilling without falling apart.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this sandwich?

For ultra convenience, use cooked breaded chicken tenders, store-bought cutlets, or even shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with some breadcrumbs. The key is a satisfying crunch and flavor that echoes classic chicken parm.

How do I keep my Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich from getting soggy?

Layer the mozzarella first and last to create a cheesy barrier, and don’t overdo the marinara. A hot skillet and patient grilling also help create that irresistible crisp crust while sealing in the saucy goodness.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute breaded eggplant cutlets or even fried mozzarella sticks for the chicken. The same assembly and method apply, and you’ll end up with a fabulous vegetarian treat.

Is there a way to make it even cheesier?

Of course! Add extra slices of fresh mozzarella or sneak in a pinch of provolone or fontina. You can even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on the bread before grilling for a crispy cheese crust—trust me, there’s no such thing as too much cheese in a Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried this mashup of melty, saucy, crispy perfection, you’ll understand why the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich is my all-time favorite comfort food twist. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and sure to bring grins all around the table. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself—this is one grilled cheese you simply have to experience!

Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Crispy breaded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce come together between two slices of buttery bread for a delicious twist on classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

2 slices sourdough or Italian bread

Chicken Filling:

½ cup cooked breaded chicken (sliced or shredded)
¼ cup marinara sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon softened butter
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Prepare the Sandwich: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Layer mozzarella cheese, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning on one slice. Add basil leaves if desired. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice and enjoy the sandwich warm.