Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a quick and easy take on the classic Chicken Parmesan, combining the deliciousness of crispy breaded chicken with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of the usual steps of breading, frying, and baking, this version simplifies the process by using pre-cooked or leftover chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella—all between two buttery slices of bread.
I came up with this idea on a lazy weeknight when I didn’t feel like going all out with a traditional Chicken Parmesan. I had some leftover chicken, and the thought of turning it into a cheesy, melty sandwich was too good to resist! The chicken is lightly warmed with marinara sauce and mozzarella and then grilled to perfection with buttered bread. The result is a golden, crispy sandwich with all the flavors of Chicken Parmesan but without the effort. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for anyone craving comfort food in a hurry! You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil on top for an extra hit of flavor.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Quick lunch or dinner
- Chicken parmesan lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese will become your go-to meal:
- Quick and Easy: All the flavors of chicken parmesan in a sandwich, ready in minutes.
- Comforting Flavor: The crispy, cheesy exterior and savory filling will satisfy your comfort food cravings.
- No Messy Frying: Skip the deep-frying for a lighter version with a crispy, grilled bread exterior.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies or switch up the cheeses to make it your own.
- Perfectly Melty: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese makes each bite gooey and delicious.
- Made for Busy Days: When you don’t have time for a full chicken parmesan, this sandwich is the perfect shortcut.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty, flavorful meal.
- Guilt-Free: It’s a more balanced version of chicken parmesan without sacrificing taste.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep the chicken and marinara in advance for an even quicker meal.
- Satisfying: It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal, no sides necessary.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably thick, like sourdough or Italian)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra marinara sauce for dipping
Ingredient Highlights
- Mozzarella Cheese: The creamy, melty cheese gives this sandwich its irresistible gooey texture.
- Chicken Breasts: Light yet hearty, chicken is a great source of protein and provides that savory, satisfying filling.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds the rich tomato flavor that’s essential to the chicken parmesan experience.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the mild mozzarella.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then shred it using two forks.
- Mix with Marinara: Stir the shredded chicken into the marinara sauce and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Grilled Cheese:
- Butter the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a hot skillet. Add a spoonful of the chicken and marinara mixture, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve:
- Garnish and Slice: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice, and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- With Extra Marinara: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to elevate the flavor.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- On a Picnic: Easy to pack and perfect for outdoor dining.
- For a Movie Night: Perfect for a casual dinner while you enjoy a movie.
- With Crispy Fries: Serve with your favorite fries for a satisfying meal.
- For Kids: A great option for a kid-friendly lunch or dinner.
- As a Snack: Make smaller sandwiches for a tasty afternoon snack.
- With Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread for an extra comforting meal.
- For Game Day: Serve as finger food during your next sports event gathering.
Additional Tips
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
- Opt for Mozzarella Sticks: For an extra cheesy melt, slice mozzarella sticks instead of shredded cheese for a gooey, stringy texture.
- Garlic Butter Spread: Add garlic butter to the bread before grilling to elevate the flavor and create a crispy, golden crust.
- Add Fresh Basil: Toss in a few fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
- Use Marinara Sauce on the Side: Instead of spreading sauce on the bread, serve it as a dip on the side to keep the sandwich crispier.
- Grill at Low Heat: Keep the heat on medium-low to ensure the bread gets golden brown while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Try Different Breads: Experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or garlic bread for a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Before grilling, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on the outside of the bread for extra flavor and a crispy finish.
- Add Veggies: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeños inside the sandwich before grilling.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add chili flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini for a meatless version.
- Cheesy Chicken Parmesan: Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for an extra cheesy sandwich.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread to make this sandwich gluten-free.
- Pesto Chicken Parmesan: Spread pesto on the bread before grilling for added flavor.
- BBQ Chicken Parmesan: Mix barbecue sauce with the marinara for a smoky, tangy variation.
- Double Cheese: Add a second layer of mozzarella inside the sandwich for extra cheesiness.
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: Make the chicken filling ahead by baking the chicken with breadcrumbs and marinara before shredding.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Griddle: For grilling the sandwiches to a crispy perfection.
- Spatula: For flipping the sandwiches without breaking them.
- Knife: For slicing and serving the sandwiches.
- Shredder or Forks: To shred the cooked chicken easily.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie or leftover chicken can save time. Just shred it and mix with the marinara sauce. - How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the bread lightly before adding the chicken and cheese, and make sure not to overfill the sandwich. - Can I freeze the sandwiches?
You can freeze the assembled sandwiches before grilling. Grill them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. - Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of mozzarella and ricotta would work great. - How long will the leftovers last?
Leftover sandwiches can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven. - Can I make this sandwich without butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil or a butter substitute if needed. - Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for extra heat. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe by using more bread and chicken filling. - Can I add extra veggies?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach can add great flavor and texture to the sandwich. - What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough, Italian, or a thick-cut white bread work well for this recipe.
Conclusion
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a simple yet satisfying twist on both chicken Parmesan and the classic grilled cheese sandwich. This dish is perfect when you’re craving the flavors of chicken Parmesan but want a quicker, more casual option that’s just as delicious.
To make it, start by making a basic grilled cheese sandwich with your favorite bread and cheese. For the chicken, you can either use leftover cooked chicken (preferably chicken tenders or grilled chicken breast), or you can quickly pan-fry breaded chicken cutlets. Once your sandwich is assembled, add a layer of marinara sauce and a slice of melted mozzarella on top of the chicken. Grill the sandwich until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the cheese melts into the warm chicken and marinara sauce. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top to mimic the classic chicken Parmesan taste. Serve it with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. This sandwich is perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or when you’re craving a comforting meal with minimal effort.
I can’t wait to see how your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your cheesy, crispy creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
