Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Crispy chicken, marinara, and melted cheese nestled between golden slices for classic Italian-inspired comfort.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 large egg, beaten
04 - 0.5 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
05 - 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Black pepper, to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sandwich Assembly

12 - 8 slices bread, such as Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread
13 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 cup marinara sauce
15 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

# Steps:

01 - Place the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them to an even 0.5-inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
02 - Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten egg in another, and combine breadcrumbs with 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish.
03 - Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then in beaten egg, then in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere the coating.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove to a plate and allow to rest for several minutes before slicing into strips.
05 - Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer half of the bread slices with sliced chicken, a spoonful of additional marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, marinara side down, to form sandwiches.
06 - Butter the outer sides of each sandwich. Place in a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately, optionally accompanied by extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra crisp crust, gently press the sandwiches with a spatula as they grill.