Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Craving the classic flavors of chicken parmesan but don't have the time or energy to make the full dish? This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect shortcut! It combines the cheesy, saucy goodness of chicken parm with the comforting, crispy exterior of a grilled cheese sandwich. With tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese between two buttery slices of bread, this sandwich is everything you love about chicken parmesan, simplified for an easy lunch or dinner.

this Recipes

What is Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a simple, delicious sandwich that merges the best parts of two comfort food favorites—chicken parmesan and grilled cheese. Instead of breading and frying the chicken, we use cooked or leftover chicken, slather it with marinara sauce, and layer it with mozzarella cheese before grilling it between two slices of buttered bread. The result? A crispy, cheesy, melty sandwich that's packed with flavor, perfect for a quick meal!

Ingredients List for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced mozzarella)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 slices of bread (Italian, sourdough, or your favorite sandwich bread)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These simple ingredients come together to create a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with that delicious chicken parm flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some great substitution and variation ideas:

• Chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even breaded chicken tenders for extra crunch. If you're in a pinch, canned chicken or frozen pre-cooked chicken strips work too.
• Cheese: While mozzarella is classic for chicken parm, you can switch it up with provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for added flavor.
• Bread: Use your favorite bread—sourdough, Italian, French bread, or even whole wheat for a healthier twist. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Any marinara or pasta sauce will work. If you like it spicy, use arrabbiata sauce, or for a creamier twist, try a vodka sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken for a spicy kick.
• Extra Crunch: If you miss the crispy coating of traditional chicken parm, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs or panko on the outside of the buttered bread before grilling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making this easy and delicious Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with the marinara sauce until it’s evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder over the buttered side. This will give your sandwich a garlic-bread-like flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

On the unbuttered side of four slices of bread, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Top the cheese with a layer of the chicken and marinara mixture, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add a little more mozzarella on top for extra gooeyness, then place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. If the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce the heat and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help the cheese melt faster.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added freshness. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, if desired, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese turns out perfectly:

• Overfilling the Sandwich: Be careful not to overfill the sandwich with too much chicken or sauce, as it can make the bread soggy and harder to grill.
• Burning the Bread: Make sure to cook the sandwiches over medium heat so the bread has time to get crispy without burning before the cheese melts.
• Not Melting the Cheese Properly: If your cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to trap the heat and help melt the cheese.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few tasty sides or sauces to elevate the dish.

How to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Serve the sandwiches hot, right off the skillet, with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Pair the sandwich with a simple green salad, Caesar salad, or even garlic bread for a more substantial meal.
• Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Presentation Ideas for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few leaves of fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
• Plating: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, casual presentation.
• Side Sauces: Offer a small bowl of marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto on the side for dipping.

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to make the sandwiches, simply assemble and grill.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the sandwiches (without grilling), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and grill as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to keep the bread crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe because it’s already cooked and shredded. Just mix it with marinara sauce, and you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Q: What type of bread works best for grilled cheese?
A: Sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or French bread works best because it holds up well to the filling and gets crispy when grilled. However, you can use any bread you like!

Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes! While mozzarella is traditional for chicken parmesan, you can use provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of Italian cheeses. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Be sure not to use too much marinara sauce, and toast the sandwich over medium heat so the bread crisps up nicely without burning.

Conclusion

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mashup of two classic comfort foods—chicken parmesan and grilled cheese. With tender chicken, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all grilled between two buttery, crispy slices of bread, this sandwich is the perfect quick meal for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you're using leftover chicken or whipping it up fresh, this recipe is easy, delicious, and sure to satisfy your cravings. So, grab your skillet and enjoy this cheesy, garlicky, chicken-filled delight today!

Print