Crispy Blackstone Smashed Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Our updated recipe for Blackstone Smash Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches takes the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan and turns them into a craveable, handheld sandwich. Crispy, golden patties made from seasoned ground chicken, coated in panko and parmesan, are cooked on a griddle for a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Topped with melted mozzarella and extra parmesan and served on garlic-buttered buns, these sandwiches are perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or casual gatherings.

Blackstone Smash Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

This is one of those recipes that feels like it belongs on a restaurant menu. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers the familiar, comforting taste of Chicken Parmesan in a portable format. If you love the classic version, you’ll be thrilled with this griddle-friendly twist.

Why you’ll love it

• Crispy exterior: A panko and parmesan coating crisps beautifully on a hot griddle for a satisfying crunch.
• Melty cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella and shaved or shredded parmesan melts into a gooey topping.
• Griddle flavor: Cooking on a Blackstone or other flat top adds caramelization and a bit of smoky griddle flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Most items are pantry staples—ground chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic, panko, and marinara.
• Easy to scale: Make several patties at once, ideal for feeding a crowd or family meal prep.

How to make this recipe

This overview summarizes the steps so you can see the workflow. Full ingredient amounts and exact times are listed in the recipe details below. The method focuses on making seasoned chicken patties, crisping them on the griddle, melting cheese, and toasting garlic buttered buns.

1. Preheat and warm sauce: Heat your griddle to medium and warm marinara in a pot nearby so it’s ready for serving.
2. Prepare the chicken mixture: Combine ground chicken with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, some panko, and shredded parmesan. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
3. Form and coat patties: Divide into equal portions, form into discs, and press the discs into the remaining panko so both sides are evenly coated.
4. Smash and cook: Oil the griddle, place a disc down, cover with parchment, and press (smash) into a thin patty about 1/4″–1/2″ thick. Cook until browned, flip, then top with mozzarella and a bit more parmesan and cover briefly to melt the cheese.
5. Toast the buns: Mix softened butter with a pinch of garlic powder, spread on the buns, and toast butter-side down on the griddle until golden and crisp.
6. Assemble: Place each cheesy chicken patty on a toasted bun and serve immediately with hot marinara on the side for dipping.

Recipe details

Full ingredients (for 4 sandwiches)

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for mixture) + more for buns
• 1 ½ cups panko, divided
• 2 cups shredded parmesan, divided
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups marinara sauce, warmed

Instructions

1. Preheat your griddle to medium. Pour marinara into a small pot and warm until bubbling, or heat on the stovetop.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ cup panko, and 1 cup shredded parmesan. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Add a couple tablespoons of oil to the griddle to prevent sticking.
4. Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Form each into a disc and press both sides into the remaining panko so each disc is evenly coated.
5. Place one disc on the hot griddle, cover with a square of parchment, and press down firmly with a spatula or burger press until the patty is about ¼”–½” thick. Repeat for remaining discs, leaving space between patties.
6. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes without moving them so a crust forms. Flip once the bottoms are golden brown. Brush the griddle with a little more oil if needed before flipping.
7. After flipping, sprinkle each patty with the remaining parmesan and top with shredded mozzarella. Cover with a dome or a large bowl for a minute or two to help the cheese melt.
8. Mix softened butter with a pinch of garlic powder and spread on the cut sides of the buns. Toast butter-side down on the griddle until golden and crisp.
9. Assemble the sandwiches by placing each cheesy patty on a toasted bun. Serve immediately with warm marinara for dipping.

Storage and reheating

• Store: Place leftover patties in an airtight container or wrap individually in foil. Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat patties on a griddle, in a skillet, or in an air fryer to retain crispness. Toast buns separately before assembling.
• Make ahead: You can form patties a day in advance and refrigerate. Coat with panko right before cooking to keep them crisp.

Substitutions and tips

• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken if desired.
• Try provolone or sliced mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella for a slightly different melt and texture.
• For a twist, serve with Alfredo or pesto instead of marinara, or add fresh basil leaves for brightness.
• Press patties evenly and avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender.

Recipe FAQ

Serve this with

• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries with a garlicky-parmesan finish pair beautifully.
• Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil lighten the meal.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks balance the richness of the sandwiches.

More Blackstone recipes

• 16 Blackstone Recipes for Beginners
• Blackstone Breakfast ideas
• Blackstone Chicken Caesar Tacos

Eat more marinara

• Meatball Marinara
• Shrimp Marinara
• Blackstone Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Blackstone Meatball Subs
• Traeger Baked Tortellini
• Traeger Baked Ziti
• Breaded Stuffed Shells
• Lasagna Stuffed Shells

These Blackstone Smash Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches combine crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, easy to scale, and ideal whenever you want the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan served up as a satisfying sandwich. Try it for your next gathering and adjust the cheese or sauce to suit your taste.