Chicken Parmesan grilled cheese sandwich

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich that’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor. I’ll break it down step by step so it’s easy to follow.

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Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients (Serves 2–3 sandwiches)

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the sandwich:

• 4–6 slices of bread (sourdough or Italian bread works best)

• ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp butter, softened (for grilling)

• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make thin cutlets (about ½ inch thick). This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Set up a breading station:

   • Plate 1: Flour

   • Plate 2: Beaten egg

   • Plate 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs

4. Coat each chicken cutlet:

   • First, dredge in flour (shake off excess)

   • Dip in egg

   • Press into breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly

5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook chicken cutlets 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature ~165°F). Remove and set aside on paper towels.

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Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

2. On the non-buttered side, layer:

   • A spoonful of marinara sauce

   • One chicken cutlet (trim to fit bread if needed)

   • A generous handful of mozzarella cheese

   • Optional: a few basil leaves for extra flavor

3. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

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Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

2. Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cover loosely with a lid (helps the cheese melt without burning the bread).

3. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until bread is golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula for even grilling.

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Step 4: Serve

• Remove from skillet and let sit for 1–2 minutes (cheese will firm up slightly so it doesn’t ooze out when cutting).

• Slice in half and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

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Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for a gooey melt, or a mix of mozzarella and provolone for more flavor.

• If short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken tenders instead of breading and frying your own chicken.

• For extra crunch, broil the sandwich for 1–2 minutes after grilling.

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