Craving the flavors of Chicken Parmesan but don’t feel like making the full-blown recipe? This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is your perfect solution! It combines the crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness of chicken parm with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting lunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time!
What is a "Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese"?
A Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a shortcut version of the classic Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan, turned into a sandwich. It features breaded chicken (store-bought or homemade), marinara sauce, and melted cheese like mozzarella or provolone, all sandwiched between buttery, crispy slices of bread. Essentially, it’s like enjoying Chicken Parmesan in grilled cheese form, with the rich, savory flavors packed into each bite. It’s a perfect fusion of comfort foods, with the added bonus of being quick and easy to make!
Ingredients List for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (Italian bread, sourdough, or your favorite type)
- 2 cooked chicken tenders or 1 cooked chicken breast (breaded or grilled)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese (or provolone, or a mix of both)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading on the bread)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, to add extra flavor to the butter)
Optional Add-ons:
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, for heat
- Extra marinara sauce for dipping
Substitutions and Variations
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is flexible, so you can switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Bread Choices: Italian bread is great for its sturdiness, but you can also use sourdough, whole wheat, ciabatta, or even brioche for a sweeter touch.
- Chicken Options: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even deli chicken slices if you want to skip breading entirely.
- Cheese Variations: Mozzarella and provolone are classic for Chicken Parmesan, but you can also use cheddar, Swiss, or a cheese blend if that’s what you have on hand.
- Marinara Substitution: If you’re out of marinara, any tomato-based pasta sauce will work, or you can even use pizza sauce for a similar flavor.
- Garlic Bread Twist: For extra flavor, mix garlic powder into the butter to give the sandwich a garlic bread-like crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese in just a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken:
If using pre-cooked chicken tenders or leftover chicken, simply reheat them in a skillet, oven, or microwave. If you need to cook your chicken, bread and pan-fry or bake a chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice it thin for the sandwich. - Butter the Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. For extra flavor, you can mix in garlic powder with the butter before spreading it on the bread. This will give the sandwich a garlic bread-like flavor. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Add a slice of mozzarella or provolone cheese, followed by a layer of chicken, a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if using), and another slice of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. - Grill the Sandwich:
Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to help it crisp up and melt the cheese. The bread should be golden-brown and crispy, while the cheese should be melted and gooey. Lower the heat if the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sandwich is perfectly grilled, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice it in half and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
How to Cook a Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick summary of the process for making Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- Prepare and Reheat the Chicken: Cook or reheat chicken as needed.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and mix garlic powder into the butter for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the cheese, chicken, marinara, and more cheese between two slices of bread.
- Grill to Perfection: Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Slice and Serve: Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the Sandwich: While it’s tempting to add lots of chicken and sauce, overstuffing the sandwich can make it difficult to grill and may lead to soggy bread. Stick to moderate amounts of each ingredient.
- Not Melting the Cheese Fully: Make sure the cheese is fully melted and gooey before removing the sandwich from the skillet. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow the cheese more time to melt.
- Burning the Bread: Grill the sandwich over medium heat, not high. Cooking it too fast will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is best served hot, right out of the skillet. Here are some serving tips to elevate your meal:
- Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with a small side salad, potato chips, or roasted veggies to round out the meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the sandwich.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping. You can also try garlic aioli or ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Here are a few ways to serve your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- Main Course: Serve the sandwich with fries or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
- Lunch or Snack: It’s a great option for a quick lunch or a hearty snack when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
- Game Day Food: Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces and serve them as finger food for a casual game day snack or appetizer.
Presentation Ideas for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Diagonally Sliced: Slice the sandwich diagonally for a more classic and visually appealing presentation.
- Open-Faced Version: Serve the sandwich open-faced by adding the chicken, sauce, and cheese on top of a single slice of toasted bread, then broil it for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cut into Smaller Pieces: For a party or casual gathering, cut the sandwiches into bite-sized pieces and serve them with toothpicks and a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe Tips
- Use Sturdy Bread: Choose a sturdy bread like Italian or sourdough that can hold up to the chicken, sauce, and cheese without getting soggy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you notice the bread is browning too fast before the cheese melts, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
- Leftover Chicken Works: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Whether it’s from a rotisserie chicken or last night’s dinner, just reheat it slightly and use it as your filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
A: Yes! Frozen breaded chicken tenders or cutlets work perfectly for this recipe. Just cook or heat them according to the package instructions before using them in the sandwich.
Q: Can I make this sandwich in the oven?
A: You can assemble the sandwich and bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. For a crispy finish, broil for the last minute or two.
Q: Can I add extra toppings to the sandwich?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even pepperoni for extra flavor. Just be careful not to overstuff the sandwich.
Q: What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A: Mozzarella and provolone are traditional choices for Chicken Parmesan, but you can also use cheddar, Swiss, or a cheese blend if you prefer.
Conclusion
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It combines the rich, cheesy flavors of chicken parm with the crispy, buttery goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, it's easy to make with simple ingredients and comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch
, a satisfying dinner, or a tasty snack, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintLazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe is the perfect fusion of comfort food classics. It combines crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all melted between buttery, toasted bread. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich has all the flavors of chicken parmesan without the fuss. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's a must-try for any busy weeknight!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course-sandwich
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cooked breaded chicken tenders or cutlets
- 4 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Italian)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with garlic powder, if using.
- On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer marinara sauce, a cooked chicken tender, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders to make this recipe even faster.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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