Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
If you love chicken parmesan but want a more portable, handheld version, this Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is a must-try! Featuring a crispy smashed chicken patty, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled between a toasted bun, this recipe takes the classic flavors of chicken parmesan and transforms them into a deliciously messy, irresistible sandwich.
The key to this sandwich’s success is the Blackstone-smashed chicken method, which results in a super-crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. Combined with the tangy marinara and gooey cheese, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Best of all, this recipe comes together quickly, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or game day gathering.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich apart from the rest? For starters, the unique cooking method creates a chicken patty with an incredible texture contrast – a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a juicy, tender interior. This is achieved by smashing the chicken breasts on the hot Blackstone griddle, which compresses the meat and helps it develop a delicious sear.
Beyond the amazing texture, this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. The simple ingredient list includes mostly pantry staples, and the hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to get a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. The chicken parmesan sandwiches can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a perfect option for meal prepping or entertaining. You can also easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, such as using lower-fat cheese or gluten-free buns.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich ❓
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 4 brioche or kaiser rolls, split and toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
The beauty of this Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken parmesan recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it evenly in the panko breadcrumbs.
• Step 3: Once the griddle is hot, drizzle a small amount of olive oil onto the surface. Working in batches if necessary, place the breaded chicken breasts onto the griddle and use a sturdy spatula to firmly press down on each one, smashing it to about 1/2-inch thickness.
• Step 4: Cook the smashed chicken patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate.
• Step 5: Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a smashed chicken patty, followed by 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.
• Step 6: Return the sandwiches to the Blackstone griddle or a hot oven and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 7: Remove the sandwiches from the heat, top with the remaining bun halves, and serve immediately, with any extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken parmesan, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich saves you 35 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1020mg
These Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches provide approximately 80% of your daily protein requirements and 30% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or pork rinds to create a keto-friendly chicken parmesan sandwich.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based or coconut-based cheese.
• Added protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding a slice of turkey or ham to the sandwich.
• Boost vegetables: Top the chicken parmesan with sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or a slice of tomato for added nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the sandwiches with a fresh garden salad or a cup of creamy tomato soup for a delicious and balanced lunch or dinner.
• Complement the Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches with an Italian-inspired pasta salad or a glass of red wine for a cozy, family-friendly gathering.
• For a tailgating or game day spread, serve the sandwiches alongside other handheld favorites like mini meatball subs or buffalo chicken dip with chips.
• Create an appetizer platter with bite-sized versions of the sandwiches, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercrisped breading: Make sure to get the Blackstone griddle or skillet nice and hot before adding the breaded chicken. This will help the breading achieve a perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Soggy buns: Toast the buns before assembling the sandwiches to prevent them from getting soggy from the marinara sauce and melted cheese.
• Uneven cheese melting: Place the cheese slices on the chicken patties while the sandwiches are still on the Blackstone griddle or in the oven, allowing the heat to melt the cheese evenly.
• Forgetting the marinara: Don’t forget to add the marinara sauce to the bottom bun – this is a key component that brings the classic chicken parmesan flavors together.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the smashed chicken patties, but do not assemble the sandwiches. Place the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling and baking.
• Freezing baked: Fully assembled sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each sandwich individually in foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, remove the wrapping and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Reheating: Bake the sandwiches in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken patties can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the full sandwiches and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the frozen sandwiches in the oven or on the Blackstone griddle until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with something else?
While chicken breasts are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The dark meat will result in a slightly juicier and more flavorful chicken patty. You can also experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free or low-carb?
Yes, there are a few easy modifications you can make to adapt this recipe for specific dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based mozzarella cheese alternative. To make it low-carb, replace the panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or pork rinds and use a keto-friendly bun or lettuce wraps instead of traditional rolls.
What should I do if the chicken patties don’t get crispy?
To ensure a perfectly crispy exterior on the chicken patties, make sure to preheat your Blackstone griddle or skillet until it’s very hot before adding the breaded chicken. Also, be sure to press down firmly on the patties as they cook to help them develop that signature crispness. If they still don’t crisp up as much as you’d like, try letting them cook for an extra minute or two per side.
Can I add any additional toppings or fillings to the Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches?
Absolutely! These sandwiches are highly customizable. Try adding thinly sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even a dollop of pesto for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or Parmesan, to switch up the taste profile.
Conclusion
These Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next game day gathering, they’re sure to impress with their crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted mozzarella. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking method. So fire up your Blackstone griddle and get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite!
