Chicken Parmesan grilled cheese sandwich

# **Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A Comfort Food Hybrid You Can’t Miss**

If you’re a fan of comfort food, then you’ll love the combination of crispy, golden-brown grilled cheese with the savory goodness of Chicken Parmesan. The *Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich* brings together two beloved dishes: the crispy, cheesy delight of a grilled cheese sandwich and the hearty, flavorful, and comforting taste of Chicken Parmesan. This fusion dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving something indulgent, want to make use of leftover chicken, or are simply looking for a fun twist on a classic, this recipe will hit the spot.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, offer some tips and variations, and explore the rich history of the classic Chicken Parmesan to help you understand why this new twist works so well.

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### **The Origins of Chicken Parmesan**

Before we dive into the details of this delicious recipe, let’s take a moment to explore the history of Chicken Parmesan. While Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish today, it has roots in Italian-American cuisine and has evolved over the years.

#### **The Italian Connection**

In its simplest form, Chicken Parmesan (or *Pollo alla Parmigiana*) is a dish consisting of breaded and fried chicken cutlets, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It is said to have been inspired by the classic Italian dish *Melanzane alla Parmigiana*, or Eggplant Parmesan, which is a similar preparation made with eggplant instead of chicken. The origin of Eggplant Parmesan can be traced back to Southern Italy, where vegetables were often prepared with tomato sauce and cheese.

In the United States, however, Chicken Parmesan became a popular dish in Italian-American restaurants, where the chicken cutlet was substituted for eggplant as a way to create a meat-based version that appealed to American tastes. It quickly gained popularity and became a staple on menus across the country, often served with pasta or as a standalone entrée.

#### **The American Takeover**

By the 1950s, Chicken Parmesan was firmly entrenched in American food culture. It became a comfort food favorite, especially in Italian-American households and restaurants, where it was served with hearty pasta, or sometimes, on a bun as a sandwich. Today, you can find variations of Chicken Parmesan across many cultures and restaurant menus worldwide, from traditional takes to creative spins like this *Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich*.

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### **What Makes the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich So Special?**

The Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the best of both worlds. It combines the crispy, crunchy satisfaction of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan. Here are a few reasons why this dish works so well:

1. **Cheese Overload**: Both grilled cheese and Chicken Parmesan feature cheese as a central ingredient, but in this sandwich, it’s taken to the next level. A combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a gooey, indulgent center that blends perfectly with the crispy breading of the chicken cutlet.

2. **Crispy Chicken**: The breaded and fried chicken cutlet in this sandwich gives the dish a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the softness of the toasted bread. It adds a savory, protein-packed layer that makes the sandwich more filling and flavorful.

3. **Tomato Sauce**: The tangy, savory marinara sauce that accompanies Chicken Parmesan works wonderfully in a grilled cheese sandwich. It adds moisture, flavor, and a bit of brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.

4. **Comfort Food Perfection**: Grilled cheese is already a nostalgic and comforting food on its own. Adding in the layers of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce makes it even more comforting, creating a warm, hearty meal that satisfies your cravings.

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### **How to Make the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich**

Now that we’ve established why this sandwich is such a winning combination, it’s time to learn how to make it. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Sandwich that will impress your taste buds.

#### **Ingredients**:

– **For the Chicken Parmesan**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1-2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)

– **For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich**:
– 4 slices of sturdy bread (such as sourdough, Italian, or a hearty whole wheat bread)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for grilling)
– 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for extra cheese layer)

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### **Instructions**:

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets**

1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will be used to cook the chicken cutlets after they are breaded and fried.

2. **Prepare the breading station**: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. **Bread the chicken**: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure an even coating.

4. **Fry the chicken**: Heat a large skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook them for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet.

5. **Bake the chicken**: Once all the chicken cutlets are fried, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.

6. **Add marinara and mozzarella**: After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon some marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#### **Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Sandwich**

1. **Prepare the bread**: While the chicken is baking, butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread, which will help achieve that golden, crispy texture when grilling.

2. **Assemble the sandwich**: Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, on a flat surface. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by one of the baked chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Top with a little more shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.

3. **Grill the sandwich**: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich into the skillet and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure it grills evenly.

4. **Serve**: Once the sandwich is crispy and golden, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two. Cut it in half and serve immediately.

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