Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich
π§Ύ Ingredients (1 large sandwich)
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough, Italian, or any sturdy bread)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2β3 tbsp butter (softened)
- Optional add-ins:
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Extra Parmesan for the outside crust
Instructions
1. Prep the Filling
- Warm the marinara sauce in a small pan or microwave.
- Toss the chicken with 2β3 tablespoons of the warmed sauce (just enough to coat it without making the sandwich soggy).
2. Build the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice butter-side down in a skillet (off heat for now).
- Layer in this order:
- Half of the mozzarella
- All the saucy chicken
- Remaining mozzarella
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top
- Spoon a small amount of extra marinara on the cheese if you want it extra saucy (optional).
- Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.
3. Cook
- Heat the skillet to medium-low.
- Cook for 3β5 minutes, until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Carefully flip and cook another 3β5 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to help melt the cheese.
- If the cheese needs more melting, cover the pan for the final 1β2 minutes.
4. Serve
Slice in half and serve with:
- Extra warm marinara for dipping
- A sprinkle of Parmesan on top
- Fresh basil or parsley
Tips for Best Results
- Low and slow heat gives the best melty middle and golden crust.
- Add a little Parmesan to the buttered outside of the bread for a crispy βfricoβ crust.
- For extra richness, add a thin layer of garlic butter or a swipe of pesto.