Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Sourdough bread: A hearty and flavorful bread that holds up well to grilling.

Italian bread: Another great option for a sturdy and tasty base for the sandwich.

Shredded cooked chicken breast: Provides the protein and heartiness to the sandwich.

Marinara sauce: Adds a rich, tomatoey flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy filling.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Softened butter: Used to butter the bread for a golden, crispy exterior.

To achieve a perfectly golden and crispy grilled cheese, ensure that the butter is evenly spread on the bread. This not only helps in browning but also adds a rich flavor. Use a skillet with a heavy bottom to maintain consistent heat, and press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and bind the sandwich together.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a healthier option with more fiber and nutrients.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: For those with gluten intolerance, gluten-free bread is a suitable alternative.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded turkey breast: Turkey breast offers a similar texture and flavor profile.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when properly seasoned.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto provides a different but complementary flavor profile with its basil and garlic notes.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce offers a creamy alternative that pairs well with the cheeses.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor similar to mozzarella.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella: For a dairy-free option, vegan mozzarella provides a similar texture and melting quality.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly sharper flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a good option for vegans.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to achieve a similar crispiness when grilling the sandwich.

• softened butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter provides a dairy-free alternative with a similar taste and texture.

• Allow the sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• For reheating from the freezer, allow the sandwiches to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated sandwiches.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan grilled cheese on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the sandwich loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.
  5. For a crispier exterior, remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the chicken parmesan grilled cheese in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the sandwich is heated through and the exterior is crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan grilled cheese on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.
  4. For extra crispiness, use the toast function for the last 2-3 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken parmesan grilled cheese on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the sandwich with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Note: This method may not keep the bread as crispy as other methods.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken parmesan grilled cheese in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.
  4. Flip the sandwich halfway through for even crispiness.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sandwiches evenly on both sides.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the sandwiches without breaking them apart.

• Butter knife: For spreading the softened butter on the bread slices.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to assemble the sandwiches.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheeses.

• Cheese grater: If you need to freshly grate the parmesan cheese.

• Mixing bowl: To combine and mix the shredded chicken with marinara sauce if desired.

• Plate: For serving the hot, golden brown sandwiches.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breast yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made marinara: Use store-bought marinara sauce to avoid making it from scratch.

Assemble ahead: Prepare the sandwiches in advance and store them in the fridge. Just grill when ready to eat.

One-pan method: Cook multiple sandwiches at once using a large skillet or griddle to save time.