Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, place the beaten egg.
- In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Top each chicken breast with 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the garlic butter: in a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Top each slice of bread with half of the sliced Chicken Parmesan.
- Top with the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from skillet and slice in half. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for even cooking. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating. Opt for a low-moisture marinara sauce to prevent soggy bread. Fresh mozzarella, sliced thinly, melts best. A gentle press with the spatula during grilling helps the cheese melt evenly. Allow the sandwich to rest for a minute or two before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
