Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the bold flavors of chicken parmesan.
This quick and easy recipe features crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, marinara sauce, and buttery toasted bread for a satisfying meal in minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, lunch, or even a fun twist on comfort food, this sandwich delivers all the flavors of classic chicken parm without the hassle!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Pre-cooked crispy chicken (leftovers or frozen works great).
- Bread: Thick-cut bread like sourdough or Italian bread holds up well.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese: Classic combo for that cheesy, gooey goodness.
- Marinara sauce: Adds that rich, tomato flavor.
- Butter & seasonings: For the perfect golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked crispy chicken, sliced (use frozen chicken tenders, cutlets, or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Spread the mixture on one side of each bread slice. - Assemble the Sandwich
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
- Layer with shredded mozzarella cheese, crispy chicken slices, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat for the second sandwich.
- Cook the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. - Serve
Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
13 minutes
Nutrition (per sandwich, ~2 servings)
- Calories: ~550
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Protein: ~30g
Expert Tips
- Low & Slow Cooking: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the bread gets golden brown while the cheese fully melts.
- Crispier Chicken: If using frozen chicken, air fry or reheat in the oven before assembling the sandwich for extra crispiness.
- Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or fresh basil for a pop of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of crispy chicken?
Yes! It won’t be as crunchy, but shredded rotisserie chicken works well if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This sandwich is best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble just before cooking.
Can I air fry this sandwich instead?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispy and melty result.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to crisp it up.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread can become soggy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use keto bread or wrap in a low-carb tortilla.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the sandwich.
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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- - Skillet or griddle
- - Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich
- - 4 slices thick-cut bread sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast
- - 2 tablespoons butter softened
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- - 1 cup cooked crispy chicken sliced (use frozen chicken tenders, cutlets, or homemade)
- - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- **Prepare the Butter Mixture**
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Spread the mixture on one side of each bread slice.
- **Assemble the Sandwich**
- - Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
- - Layer with shredded mozzarella cheese, crispy chicken slices, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- - Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat for the second sandwich.
- **Cook the Sandwiches**
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- **Serve**
- Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
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