Craving the flavors of Chicken Parmesan but donโt have time for all the prep work? This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe is the ultimate quick-fix comfort food. It combines the classic elements of Chicken Parmesanโcrispy chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarellaโinto a cheesy, golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich. Whether youโre looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or a fun meal for the family, this grilled cheese is sure to satisfy! Letโs get cooking.

What is Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a fusion of two comfort food favorites: Chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese. Instead of preparing a traditional breaded chicken breast, you use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken or chicken tenders) and sandwich it between slices of bread with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Itโs then grilled to golden, crispy perfection, giving you the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in the form of a delicious, melty sandwich.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want the taste of a hearty Italian dish but donโt have the time or energy to make it from scratch. Itโs quick, easy, and hits all the right flavor notes.
Ingredients List for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Hereโs what youโll need to make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- Bread: 4 slices (use sturdy bread like Italian, sourdough, or thick white bread)
- Pre-Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, shredded or sliced (rotisserie chicken, chicken tenders, or breaded chicken cutlets work well)
- Marinara Sauce: ยฝ cup (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ยฝ cups, shredded (or use fresh mozzarella slices for extra melty goodness)
- Parmesan Cheese: ยผ cup, grated (for extra cheesy flavor)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened (for grilling the sandwich)
- Garlic Powder: ยฝ teaspoon (optional, for flavoring the butter)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional, for sprinkling inside the sandwich or on the butter)
- Fresh Basil: 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredients List for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese (Variations)
You can tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or to use what you have on hand. Here are some variations:
1. Spicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara for a spicy kick.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat.
2. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Substitute the marinara sauce with Buffalo sauce and use ranch dressing or blue cheese inside the sandwich.
- Top with cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a buffalo twist.
3. Vegetarian Option
- Skip the chicken and use breaded eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add extra marinara sauce and cheese to make it even more flavorful.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make adjustments to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Bread Options: Use whole wheat bread, ciabatta, or gluten-free bread if you prefer.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack if you want to experiment with different flavors.
- Chicken Alternatives: Use grilled chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even breaded chicken strips for more texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
- Extra Toppings: Add sautรฉed spinach, mushrooms, or peppers to the sandwich for added flavor and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- Prep the Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you like, mix a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the butter before spreading for extra flavor. - Layer the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a plate. Add shredded mozzarella, followed by a layer of pre-cooked chicken, a spoonful of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and more mozzarella. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up. - Grill the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking. - Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting in half. Garnish with fresh basil or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Cook Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Butter the bread and layer with mozzarella, chicken, marinara, Parmesan, and more cheese.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet and grill the sandwich until golden brown on both sides.
- Step 3: Let the sandwich rest, then slice and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Chicken: Make sure the chicken is at room temperature or slightly warm before adding it to the sandwich, as cold chicken can prevent the cheese from melting properly.
- Overloading the Sandwich: While itโs tempting to load up the sandwich with lots of chicken and cheese, overstuffing can make it difficult to flip and can result in uneven cooking. Keep it balanced.
- Burning the Bread: Cook the sandwich on medium heat. Too high heat can cause the bread to burn before the cheese melts. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese even more enjoyable, consider these serving tips:
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing on the side makes for a perfect dipping sauce.
- Pair with a Simple Salad: A Caesar salad or garden salad on the side balances the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides and serving:
- French Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort food pairing.
- Tomato Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate grilled cheese experience.
- Pasta Salad: Serve with a light pasta salad to complement the Italian flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Cut Diagonally: Slice the sandwich diagonally for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve on a Wooden Board: Present the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Mini Sliders: Make mini versions using smaller bread slices or slider buns for a fun party appetizer.
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and grill them when ready to serve. Just store them in the fridge, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Leftovers: Store leftover grilled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze pre-assembled sandwiches for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw and grill as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe, and it's a great way to use up leftovers. - Can I make this sandwich in the oven?
You can! Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF and bake the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! You can use provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack if you want a different flavor profile. - How do I keep the bread from burning?
Cook the sandwich over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. - Can I add extra veggies?
Yes! Sautรฉed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would make great additions to the sandwich.
Conclusion
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe brings together the best of both worldsโcrispy chicken Parmesan and gooey, cheesy grilled cheeseโin one easy-to-make sandwich. Itโs perfect for when youโre short on time but still craving a hearty, comforting meal. Whether youโre serving it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors and melty goodness in every bite! Happy cooking!
PrintLazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
This lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan into a quick, delicious sandwich. Crispy bread is filled with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect weeknight meal or snack. Enjoy this fusion of comfort foods in just 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and sliced)
- ยฝ cup marinara sauce
- ยฝ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices of bread (thick-cut)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder.
- Spread the garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Layer with mozzarella, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients to make a second sandwich.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
- For extra crunch, add a few breadcrumbs to the inside of the sandwich before grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
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