Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Sourdough bread: Provides a sturdy and flavorful base for the sandwich.

Chicken breast: Shredded and cooked, it adds protein and a savory element.

Marinara sauce: Adds a rich, tomato-based flavor that complements the cheeses.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy interior.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Butter: Softened and spread on the bread for a golden, crispy exterior.

To achieve a perfectly golden and crispy grilled cheese, make sure to use softened butter and spread it evenly on the bread. This ensures even browning and prevents the bread from burning. Additionally, using a skillet with a lid can help melt the cheese more thoroughly by trapping the heat, giving you a gooey and delicious sandwich.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a nutty flavor and additional fiber, making it a healthier option.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta has a similar texture and chewiness, making it a great alternative for grilled sandwiches.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is convenient and already seasoned, saving time and adding flavor.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded turkey breast: Turkey breast offers a similar texture and can be a leaner option.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto provides a different flavor profile with its basil and garlic notes, offering a fresh twist.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce gives a creamy, rich alternative that pairs well with chicken and cheese.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully, creating a different but delicious taste.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese that provides a similar texture and a more robust flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with asiago cheese: Asiago offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle, fruity flavor to the grilled bread.

• softened butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for grilling.

• Allow the sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps maintain the integrity of the bread and keeps the cheese from sticking to the wrapping.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen 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 heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
• For reheating from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the bread.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it can make the bread chewy and the cheese rubbery.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the sandwiches loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bread.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the leftover sandwiches 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 sandwiches are heated through and the bread is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sandwiches in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the sandwiches with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. For a crispier bread, you can finish by toasting the sandwiches in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

• 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: Ideal for spreading the softened butter on the bread slices.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for assembling the sandwiches.

• Cheese grater: Handy if you need to grate fresh parmesan cheese.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to combine the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce if desired.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot sandwiches when removing them from the skillet.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken breast.

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 your own from scratch.

Assemble in advance: Prepare the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Use a panini press: Speed up the cooking process by using a panini press instead of a skillet.