- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Classic Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Classic Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
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
Scale
- 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.
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.
