Craving the ultimate comfort food with a crispy twist? This crispy grilled chicken grilled cheese is everything you love about a classic melt—elevated, BUT it’s easy, extra satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're in the mood for something cozy and cheesy!
If you love easy chicken recipes like this one, you're also going to LOVE my 30 minute Butter Chicken recipe, Chicken Shrimp Alfredo & my Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs!
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Ingredients
- Egg
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Sourdough Bread
- Barilla Pesto
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Chicken Cutlet
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Fry the chicken!
Form the sandwich & bake…
Bake until the cheese melts!
Serve, slice & enjoy!
- Prep the Chicken:
Season the chicken cutlet with salt and pepper. Dredge it in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a shallow layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread pesto on one slice of bread. Layer 4 slices of mozzarella, followed by the crispy chicken cutlet, then the remaining 4 slices of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread. - Melt & Crisp:
Bake or air fry the sandwich at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted. - Serve:
Slice, dip in mayo (or any sauce you love), and enjoy the crispy, cheesy perfection.
Substitutions
- Bread: Use ciabatta, brioche, or multigrain instead of sourdough.
- Mozzarella: Swap with provolone, fontina, or shredded Italian blend.
- Pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto, basil aioli, or even a garlic herb spread.
- Chicken Cutlet: Use pre-cooked breaded chicken, grilled chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
- Mayonnaise: Replace with garlic aioli, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Tongs
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- Knife & Cutting Board
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunch.
Top tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly – For even cooking and extra crispiness, lightly pound the chicken cutlet to an even thickness.
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella – It melts better and prevents a soggy sandwich.
- Don’t Skip the Flip – If using the oven, flip the sandwich halfway through baking for an evenly golden crust.
FAQs
Yes! Pre-cooked breaded chicken works great for a shortcut—just make sure it’s crispy and heated through before assembling the sandwich.
Absolutely. Cook it in a buttered skillet over medium heat, pressing gently, for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and melty.
Provolone, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar pair beautifully with pesto and chicken—just choose a good melting cheese.
Related
Looking for other easy recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite desserts to serve with [this recipe]:
Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlet with salt and pepper. Dredge it in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a shallow layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto on one slice of bread. Layer 4 slices of mozzarella, followed by the crispy chicken cutlet, then the remaining 4 slices of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread.
- Melt & Crisp: Bake or air fry the sandwich at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Slice, dip in mayo (or any sauce you love), and enjoy the crispy, cheesy perfection.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Grace Ava says
I tried the Crispy Grilled Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly crispy, the cheese melted beautifully, and the toasted bread tied it all together. Definitely one of the best comfort foods I’ve had in a while!Thanks for sharing.