Crispy Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

This Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, combining a crispy, crunchy chicken cutlet with the perfect balance of melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and a soft, toasted bun. It’s a handheld twist on the classic chicken parm that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a fun sandwich to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The chicken is smashed thin on the Blackstone griddle for that perfect crispy texture.
• Quick & Easy: This delicious sandwich comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a fast meal.
• Better Than Takeout: Forget soggy, greasy takeout—this homemade version is fresh, crispy, and way tastier.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or even add extra toppings to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner, a weekend cookout, or game day, these sandwiches are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sandwich:

• 4 sandwich rolls (brioche, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls work best)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (warmed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half to create thin cutlets. If you want them even thinner, place the chicken between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure they cook quickly and get that amazing crispy crunch.

2. Bread the Chicken
Set up a simple breading station:

• Bowl 1: Mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
• Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to make sure the breading sticks well.

3. Preheat the Blackstone Griddle
Now, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Drizzle some olive oil on the griddle to help the chicken get that perfect crispy finish.

4. Cook the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the preheated griddle and lightly press them down using a spatula or a burger press. This helps them get even crispier. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The chicken should cook quickly because it’s thin, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

5. Melt the Cheese
Once the chicken is crispy, spoon some warm marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with a melting dome or lid to help the cheese melt perfectly. This should take about 1-2 minutes, and you’ll be left with gooey, melty mozzarella.

6. Toast the Buns
While the chicken is finishing up, take your sandwich rolls and spread a little butter on the cut sides. Toast them on the griddle for 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown. This step adds so much flavor and ensures the buns won’t get soggy from the sauce.

7. Assemble the Sandwiches
To assemble, place a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a crispy chicken cutlet on top, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor. Top with the other half of the bun, and your sandwich is ready to go!

Tips and Tricks

• Make it Extra Crispy: If you want your chicken even crunchier, try using Panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs. You can also double-dip the chicken in flour and breadcrumbs for a super crispy coating.
• Cheese Lovers: While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like provolone or smoked gouda for a richer flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg wash.
• Quick Tip for Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the Blackstone or in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
• Low-Carb Version: Want a healthier twist? Serve your smashed chicken Parmesan on lettuce wraps or over zucchini noodles instead of bread.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are some great side dish ideas:

• Garlic Fries: Crispy, golden fries with a touch of garlic butter are the perfect pairing for this sandwich.
• Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing would balance out the richness of the sandwich.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms bring in some extra flavor and freshness.
• Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings are another great side to serve alongside this sandwich for a bit of crunch and sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store the sauce separately if you have any left, to prevent the breading from getting soggy.
• Reheating:
  • Blackstone: Reheat the chicken on the griddle for 2-3 minutes per side, just until it’s hot and crispy again.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the chicken.
  • Air Fryer: Heat the chicken at 350°F for 5 minutes for a quick reheat.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re juicier and add a bit more flavor to the sandwich.

Do I have to smash the chicken?
Smashing the chicken is what gives it that extra crispy texture, but if you prefer thicker chicken, feel free to skip the smashing and cook the pieces as they are.

What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Brioche, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls are all great options because they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the marinara sauce and melted cheese. You can also use soft sandwich rolls for a more classic feel.

Can I make this without a Blackstone griddle?
Of course! If you don’t have a Blackstone, you can easily use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The results will be just as crispy and delicious.

What sides should I serve with this sandwich?
Try serving it with crispy garlic fries, a fresh Caesar salad, or some roasted vegetables. You could even add some onion rings for extra crunch!

Conclusion

crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend cookout, or a quick lunch, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. So fire up your Blackstone, get cooking, and enjoy this amazing twist on the classic chicken Parmesan!