Hello, food lovers! Welcome to a delightful recipe that combines the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory flavors of Chicken Parmesan. If you’re craving something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re in the mood for something deliciously cheesy.
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that brings together crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese—all served over pasta or in a sandwich. But what if we take those same ingredients and transform them into an irresistible grilled cheese? That’s exactly what we’re doing here! This Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines the best of both worlds, giving you all the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a hand-held, crispy, buttery sandwich. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just love a good grilled cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
I first stumbled upon this idea when I was looking for a quick dinner option that used ingredients I already had in my kitchen. The result was so tasty that it quickly became a staple. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken patties or marinara sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, you’ll need:
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter, or to taste
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
- 1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional substitutions:
- For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat bread instead of Italian bread, or opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce the sodium content. Additionally, if you’re avoiding dairy, there are dairy-free cheese alternatives that work well in this recipe, although they might alter the taste slightly.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- Preheat your oven. Set the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it’s heating, place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken patties. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through and crispy, about 20 minutes. Once done, cut the chicken patties in half lengthwise to fit better in the sandwich.
- Prepare the bread. Spread garlic butter onto one side of each slice of Italian bread. This will give the sandwich a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic.
- Mix the marinara sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave until warmed through, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir the sauce well.
- Assemble the sandwich. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, into a skillet. Top it with two slices of provolone cheese, one tablespoon of the warmed marinara sauce, and two chicken patty halves, overlapped to cover the bread. Add another two tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of the chicken, followed by one more slice of provolone cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook the sandwich. Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- Serve and enjoy! Once both sides are perfectly crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the remaining marinara sauce and serve it alongside each sandwich for dipping.
Tip: For an extra crisp sandwich, press it lightly with a spatula while cooking.
Helpful Tips
Making a perfect Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is all about balance and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips:
- Butter temperature: Ensure your garlic butter is at room temperature, so it spreads evenly across the bread. Cold butter can tear the bread and make it challenging to get an even layer.
- Cheese melting: To ensure your cheese melts perfectly, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Crispy bread: If you prefer an extra crispy sandwich, you can bake the assembled sandwich in the oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 5 minutes after grilling it on the stove. This will give you a beautifully crisp exterior.
Cooking Tips
Enhance your Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese with these additional cooking tips:
- Equipment matters: While a standard skillet works just fine, using a cast-iron skillet can help achieve a more even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly crispy sandwich.
- Layering technique: When layering the sandwich, start with cheese directly on the bread. This acts as a barrier, preventing the marinara sauce from making the bread soggy.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with several side dishes and beverages:
- Side dishes: Serve with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or enjoy with a side of garlic breadsticks for a double dose of garlic goodness.
- Beverages: A glass of red wine, like Chianti or a light Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the sandwich. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a splash of lemon to refresh your palate between bites.
- Presentation: To make your sandwich even more appealing, cut it diagonally and arrange it on a plate with the marinara dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is as satisfying as it is flavorful. Here’s a brief overview of its nutritional content:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1270mg
- Potassium: 410mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 800 IU
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 350mg
- Iron: 3mg
This sandwich is a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese. The marinara sauce provides a boost of Vitamin C, and the Parmesan cheese offers a healthy dose of calcium.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may lose some of its crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheat: To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes. This will help crisp up the bread again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Creative tip: Chop up any leftover sandwiches and toss them with cooked pasta and extra marinara sauce for a quick Chicken Parmesan pasta bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen patties?
- Yes, you can use fresh chicken breast. Simply bread and cook it as you would for traditional Chicken Parmesan, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- What type of bread works best for this recipe?
- Italian bread is ideal for its soft texture and ability to crisp up nicely. However, you can also use sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread if you prefer.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken patties and marinara sauce in advance. Assemble and cook the sandwich just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, you might also enjoy these other comforting recipes:
-
Classic Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
-
Classic Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet indulgent recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear your variations or any tips you have for making this sandwich even better. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
This concludes the step-by-step guide for creating your own Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese at home. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
Description
Hello, food lovers! Welcome to a delightful recipe that combines the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory flavors of Chicken Parmesan. If you’re craving something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is exactly what you need. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re in the mood for something deliciously cheesy.
Ingredients
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter, or to taste
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
- 1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional substitutions:
- For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat bread instead of Italian bread, or opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce the sodium content. Additionally, if you’re avoiding dairy, there are dairy-free cheese alternatives that work well in this recipe, although they might alter the taste slightly.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven. Set the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it’s heating, place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken patties. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through and crispy, about 20 minutes. Once done, cut the chicken patties in half lengthwise to fit better in the sandwich.
- Prepare the bread. Spread garlic butter onto one side of each slice of Italian bread. This will give the sandwich a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic.
- Mix the marinara sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave until warmed through, which should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir the sauce well.
- Assemble the sandwich. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, into a skillet. Top it with two slices of provolone cheese, one tablespoon of the warmed marinara sauce, and two chicken patty halves, overlapped to cover the bread. Add another two tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of the chicken, followed by one more slice of provolone cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook the sandwich. Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- Serve and enjoy! Once both sides are perfectly crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the remaining marinara sauce and serve it alongside each sandwich for dipping.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Butter temperature: Ensure your garlic butter is at room temperature, so it spreads evenly across the bread. Cold butter can tear the bread and make it challenging to get an even layer.
- Cheese melting: To ensure your cheese melts perfectly, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Crispy bread: If you prefer an extra crispy sandwich, you can bake the assembled sandwich in the oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 5 minutes after grilling it on the stove. This will give you a beautifully crisp exterior.
