Name: Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless chicken cutlet; 1 egg, beaten; 1/3 cup flour; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Neutral cooking oil (for frying); 2 slices sourdough or rich artisanal bread; 2 tbsp Barilla pesto; 8 thin slices mozzarella cheese; Mayonnaise or favorite dip (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If you love bold flavors, crave a perfectly crunchy bite, and can’t resist a gooey cheese pull, you’re about to fall head-over-heels for the Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. This irresistible sandwich weaves together juicy, breaded chicken, molten mozzarella, zesty pesto, and dreamy, toasted sourdough for the ultimate comfort food upgrade. Whether for a leisurely lunch or a show-stopping dinner, this sandwich doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it makes mealtime downright exciting.

Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from that tangy pesto right down to the golden crust. Gather these pantry and fridge basics for a sandwich that’s bursting with color, crunch, and flavor.

Sourdough or rich artisanal bread: This bread gives a gorgeous, crisp crust and a chewy, flavorful base that holds up to all the tasty fillings.
Barilla pesto: A swipe of vibrant pesto infuses every bite with garlicky basil and a little nutty zing—total game changer!
Mozzarella cheese (8 thin slices): The secret to an ultra-melty center, mozzarella brings rich creaminess and the perfect cheese pull.
Boneless chicken cutlet: Sliced thin, this is the protein hero of our sandwich—think juicy, flavorful, and satisfyingly hearty.
Egg (beaten): Helps that crunchy breadcrumb coating stick snugly to the chicken.
Flour (1/3 cup): An essential first step for the dredge, ensuring everything crisps up beautifully.
Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Toasty breadcrumbs make the chicken gorgeously golden and add irresistible crunch.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Just the right amount to amplify all the flavors in the filling and crust.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a background hint of warmth that pairs perfectly with the pesto and chicken.
Neutral cooking oil: Frying in a neutral oil gives you that golden, crispy chicken without any flavor interference.
Optional: Mayonnaise or your favorite dip: Bring on even more creamy, tangy goodness for dipping on the side, totally customizable to your taste!

How to Make Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Let’s start with the heart of this sandwich—a beautifully crispy chicken cutlet. Season your chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Then, you’re going to create a mouthwatering golden crust using the classic trio: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. First, dredge the chicken in flour (shake off any excess!), dip it straight into the beaten egg, and finally, give it a thorough breadcrumb coating. Each layer ensures the crispiest, crunchiest bite.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a shallow pool of neutral oil in a sturdy pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully lay the breaded chicken in and listen for that rewarding sizzle. Fry each side for about 4–5 minutes, aiming for a deep golden color and a fully cooked center. When it’s ready, transfer the chicken to a paper towel–lined plate to rest and stay shatter-crisp.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

This is where the magic starts to happen! Grab your fresh slices of sourdough and generously spread Barilla pesto on one slice. Next, lay down four slices of mozzarella (yes, we’re going big on cheese), top them with your freshly fried chicken cutlet, and pile on the remaining mozzarella slices for double the gooey factor. Cap it all with the second slice of bread—sandwich perfection is taking shape.

Step 4: Melt & Crisp

The final flourish: Bake or air fry the entire sandwich at 375°F (190°C) for roughly 8 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeously golden crust and fully molten cheese. This step transforms your sandwich into melty, crispy bliss—without risk of burning or greasy stovetop mishaps.

Step 5: Serve

Now comes the best part. Slice your sandwich in half (prepare for that epic cheese stretch!) and serve with a side of creamy mayo or a dip of your choice. Every bite is pure, irresistible comfort.

How to Serve Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and herbal freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of grated Parmesan right after the sandwich comes out of the oven adds an extra savory kick. A quick drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten things up, too.

Side Dishes

This sandwich loves a classic pairing—think tangy tomato soup for dunking, crisp mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette, or crispy sweet potato fries. For a lighter touch, try a zippy slaw or even a handful of crunchy pickles on the side for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch or a casual gathering? Cut the Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe into halves or quarters and serve them stacked on a platter, secured with toothpicks, for an eye-catching, sharable snack. You can also wrap each sandwich half in parchment for a picnic-perfect meal or make fun lunchbox sliders by downsizing with mini rolls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extras? Let your sandwich cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps its magic for up to 2 days, though it’s best eaten sooner while the crust is still crisp.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble and cook the chicken, then let it cool. Store the breaded, cooked chicken and bread separately in the freezer, wrapped well. When ready, thaw and assemble for easy future sandwiches. Freezing the entire sandwich is possible, but for best texture, reheat it straight from frozen with a little extra bake time to crisp things back up.

Reheating

To revive that signature crunch, warm your sandwich in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 7–10 minutes. Microwaving will do in a pinch but leaves the crust a bit soft, so the oven is your crispy secret weapon.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with provolone, sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each brings its own delicious twist to your Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for breading the chicken. The flavors remain just as amazing, so everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best way to keep the sandwich crispy if I need to prepare it ahead of time?

Let the cooked sandwich cool completely before storing, and always reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture. Wrapping in foil for storage also helps maintain crispness, especially if you don’t add any wet garnishes until serving.

Can I grill the sandwich on a stovetop instead of baking or air frying?

Definitely! Use a hot skillet (cast iron works great) with a tiny bit of butter or oil. Grill each side over medium-low heat, pressing slightly, until the cheese is melted and the bread is deeply golden.

What dips go best with the Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?

Classic mayo is always a hit, but you can branch out with spicy sriracha mayo, creamy ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy marinara sauce. Try a few on the side and enjoy dipping with each bite.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is my go-to for seriously satisfying, crowd-pleasing comfort food. If you’re ready for crackling bread, melty cheese, and that unforgettable pesto kick—all stacked together—give this sandwich a try. Your next mealtime is about to get way more exciting!

Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Featuring a golden, crispy chicken cutlet nestled between layers of gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between two slices of hearty sourdough bread slathered with flavorful pesto.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Season chicken cutlet with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
Cook the Chicken: Fry in oil over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto on one bread slice. Layer 4 slices of mozzarella, chicken cutlet, remaining 4 cheese slices, and top with second bread slice.
Melt & Crisp: Bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice, dip in mayo or favorite sauce, and enjoy!