Description
Crispy, gooey cheesy chicken garlic bread sandwich delivers ultimate comfort in one epic handheld meal. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and garlic-infused bread create a mouthwatering experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced in half (to make 4 thin pieces)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional, for extra flavor)
Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for toasting)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Seasoning and Bread Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices thick-cut Italian or French bread (or sub rolls)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ cup marinara sauce (optional, for a pizza-style twist)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika in a small mixing vessel.
- Thoroughly massage the spice mixture into both surfaces of the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
- Activate a skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil to create a perfect searing environment.
- Carefully position the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F, then transfer to a resting surface to preserve juiciness.
- Ignite the oven to 400°F, preparing for garlic bread transformation.
- Merge melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, and additional garlic powder to create a fragrant spread.
- Lavishly coat one surface of each bread slice with the aromatic butter mixture.
- Generously distribute mozzarella cheese across the buttered bread surfaces.
- Position bread slices on a baking sheet, allowing them to crisp and golden in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Layer sliced chicken atop the crispy garlic bread foundation.
- Cascade mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken, creating a molten cheese landscape.
- For adventurous palates, enhance the sandwich with marinara sauce and crispy bacon fragments.
- Crown the creation with a second slice of garlic bread, forming a decadent sandwich structure.
- Return the assembled sandwich to the oven, allowing 5 minutes for complete cheese melting.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately, accompanied by marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an indulgent experience.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of garlic powder and black pepper to match personal heat preferences.
- Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for consistent cooking and easier slicing in the sandwich.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like provolone or gouda for different flavor profiles and melting textures.
- Toast bread slightly before adding garlic butter for extra crunchiness and improved structural integrity of the sandwich.
- Reduce calorie content by using whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese options without compromising taste.
- Prepare chicken in advance and store in refrigerator to streamline sandwich assembly during busy weeknights.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread and checking seasoning ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg