Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a cutting board. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on each slice, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Add the chicken strips, more marinara sauce, and another layer of mozzarella. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
5. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Notes

• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix in some provolone or fontina for extra cheesy goodness.
• Bread Options: Choose a hearty bread that can hold up to the fillings, such as Italian, sourdough, or whole grain.
• Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover breaded chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply reheat and proceed with the assembly.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy marinara for a kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices or zucchini for a vegetarian take on the sandwich.
• Pesto Twist: Spread a layer of basil pesto on the bread slices before adding the marinara sauce and cheese for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.