There’s just something magical about crispy chicken, melted cheese, and warm marinara all tucked between buttery toasted bread.
I made this Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Melt one evening when I craved comfort food but didn’t want to cook from scratch.
It totally hit the spot—and now it’s one of my favorite quick-fix dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Saucy and crispy – every bite has that perfect chicken parm crunch and cheesy pull.
Quick and low-effort – just 6 steps, using frozen chicken patties.
Satisfies all cravings – buttery garlic bread, tangy marinara, and melty provolone.
Great for busy nights – ready in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-pleasing – kids and adults both love this sandwich.
Versatile – works as dinner, lunch, or even a party sandwich.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Frozen breaded chicken patties – use your favorite brand (Tyson® works great).
Garlic butter – adds flavor and richness to the toasted bread.
Italian bread – sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.
Marinara sauce – use store-bought or homemade for a fresh tomato flavor.
Provolone cheese – melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with marinara.
Parmesan cheese – for that sharp, salty finish.
Basil + garlic salt – simple seasonings that make everything pop.
Pro Tips Before You Start
For extra crispy bread, use a cast iron or nonstick skillet without a lid.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara.
Toast your bread slices before assembling if you love that golden edge.
Let the sandwiches rest 1 minute before slicing – the cheese sets slightly and it’s easier to handle.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Melt
Step 1: Bake the Chicken Patties
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Then, cut each patty in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Prep the Bread and Sauce
Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt.
Microwave for 30–60 seconds until warmed, then stir again.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, into a skillet.
Layer with provolone cheese, marinara, 2 chicken patty halves (overlapped), marinara, and another slice of provolone.
Top with a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 4: Cook and Crisp
Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the remaining marinara and serve alongside the sandwiches for dipping or spooning on top.
What to Serve It With
Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted veggies or a bowl of tomato basil soup
Sparkling water or iced tea to balance the richness
Variations / Substitutions
Swap provolone with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Use ciabatta rolls or hoagie buns instead of Italian bread.
Add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers.
Make it vegetarian with breaded eggplant cutlets.
Storage & Leftovers
Let leftover sandwiches cool completely.
Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Not freezer-friendly once assembled, but you can prep ahead using cooked patties.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken cutlets instead of frozen?
Yes! Just bread and bake or fry them ahead of time.
Is it okay to use sandwich rolls instead of sliced bread?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to all the filling.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Try dairy-free cheese slices and plant-based garlic butter for a vegan version.
What’s the best marinara for this recipe?
Any favorite jarred brand works, or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Can I air fry the patties instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes or until crisp and heated through.
How can I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Don’t overload with sauce and serve immediately after cooking.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Keep them warm in the oven on a low setting, and serve with sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Melt is one of those meals that feels indulgent without the stress of cooking from scratch.
It’s quick, satisfying, and absolutely comforting—just what I need after a long day. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Melt
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 20 minutes.
- Cut each in half lengthwise.
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- In a bowl, mix marinara, basil, and garlic salt.
- Microwave until warm, 30–60 seconds. Stir.
- Heat a skillet over medium.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/chicken-parmesan-sandwich-melt/
Notes
