Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a golden, crisp exterior. But what if you could transform this iconic meal into a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious sandwich? Enter the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese—a mouthwatering mashup that brings the best elements of Chicken Parmesan into a handheld form. This sandwich combines tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all sandwiched between two golden slices of buttery, crispy bread.

Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a comforting, cheesy meal, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect solution. It’s quick to prepare and satisfies that craving for something cheesy, crispy, and indulgent. Plus, you can make it with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

In this 3000-word recipe, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delightful sandwich, offering tips, variations, and creative ideas along the way. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: If you’re starting with raw chicken, season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for flavor. You can cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until it’s fully cooked and tender. For convenience, leftover chicken from a previous meal or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Cut the chicken into thin slices or shred it for easy layering.
2. Breaded Option (Optional): If you want to recreate the crispy texture of Chicken Parmesan, you can bread the chicken before cooking it. Simply dredge the chicken breast in flour, then dip it into beaten eggs, and coat it in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Pan-fry until golden and crispy on both sides, then set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Choose the Right Bread: For a hearty grilled cheese, thick slices of bread work best. Sourdough, Italian, or even Texas toast are great options because they hold up well to the filling and get a nice crispy exterior when grilled.
2. Butter or Oil: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will ensure the bread gets golden brown and crispy when grilled. If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead of butter for a slightly lighter option. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder on the buttered side for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Layer the Ingredients: On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, start by spreading a spoonful of marinara sauce. This adds a tangy, flavorful base to the sandwich. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as it can make the sandwich soggy.
2. Add the Chicken: Layer the cooked or shredded chicken on top of the marinara sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed across the bread so that every bite has a good balance of chicken and cheese.
3. Cheese Time: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. You can also use sliced fresh mozzarella for a gooier texture. Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for that signature Chicken Parmesan flavor.
4. Top with More Marinara: If you’re a sauce lover, you can add a little more marinara on top of the cheese. Just be careful not to overdo it to prevent the sandwich from becoming too messy.
5. Final Bread Layer: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to crisp up the bread, but not so hot that it burns before the cheese has a chance to melt.
2. Grill the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the sandwich cook evenly, but be careful not to squish it too much.
3. Check for Doneness: The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden and the cheese is melty. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to give the cheese more time to melt without burning the bread.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sandwich is perfectly golden and crispy, remove it from the pan and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to eat without the filling spilling out.

Tips for Success

1. Use Sturdy Bread: Choose a sturdy bread that can handle the weight of the chicken and cheese without falling apart. Soft white bread may get soggy, so opt for something heartier like sourdough or Italian bread.
2. Don’t Overfill the Sandwich: While it’s tempting to pile on the chicken, cheese, and sauce, overstuffing the sandwich can make it difficult to cook evenly. Stick to moderate portions to ensure everything cooks properly.
3. Keep the Heat Moderate: Cooking the sandwich over medium heat allows the cheese to melt slowly while the bread crisps up. If the heat is too high, the bread may burn before the cheese has a chance to melt.
4. Experiment with Cheeses: Mozzarella is the traditional cheese used in Chicken Parmesan, but feel free to get creative. Provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar can add unique flavors to the sandwich.
5. Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and marinara sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick assembly when you’re ready to make the sandwiches. This is especially helpful if you’re making multiple sandwiches at once.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for a meat substitute like breaded eggplant or a plant-based chicken patty. Breaded and fried zucchini or portobello mushrooms also make excellent vegetarian alternatives that pair well with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

2. Spicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also include a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Top the sandwich with pickled jalapeños for added spice.

3. Extra Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

For cheese lovers, don’t stop at just mozzarella and Parmesan. Add slices of provolone or fontina for a richer, cheesier sandwich. You can even use a combination of shredded and sliced cheeses for different textures.

4. Garlic Parmesan Butter Spread

For an extra burst of flavor, mix minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the butter that you spread on the outside of the bread. This adds a garlicky, savory crust that complements the Chicken Parmesan filling perfectly.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Serve with a Side of Marinara for Dipping: For extra marinara goodness, serve a small bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. This not only adds more flavor but also gives the sandwich that classic Chicken Parmesan experience.
2. Pair with a Salad: Balance out the richness of the sandwich by serving it with a simple side salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the cheesy, savory sandwich perfectly.
3. Add a Side of Garlic Parmesan Fries: For a more indulgent meal, serve your grilled cheese with a side of garlic Parmesan fries. These crispy fries seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and parsley are the perfect complement to the sandwich’s Italian flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: If you have leftover grilled cheese sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: To reheat, place the sandwich on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will help the bread crisp up again while warming the filling.
• Toaster Oven: A toaster oven is another great option for reheating, as it keeps the sandwich crispy without making it soggy.
• Microwave: While microwaving is the quickest option, it can make the sandwich soggy. If you use the microwave, heat the sandwich in short intervals and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

The Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you’re making it as a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a comforting snack, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. With its crispy, golden bread, melty cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up in minutes.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy all the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a fun, easy-to-eat sandwich format. Whether you’re feeding a family, serving it to guests, or just making it for yourself, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Yield: 2 Sandwiches

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a golden, crisp exterior. But what if you could transform this iconic meal into a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious sandwich? Enter the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese—a mouthwatering mashup that brings the best elements of Chicken Parmesan into a handheld form. This sandwich combines tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all sandwiched between two golden slices of buttery, crispy bread.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (thick-cut, like Italian or sourdough)
• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Bread:
   In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning (if using). Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
   
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface or plate.
   Layer a slice of mozzarella on each piece of bread.
   Top with the cooked chicken, dividing it evenly between both sandwiches.
   Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken (about 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich).
   Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
   Add another slice of mozzarella on top of the sauce and chicken, then place the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, on top to complete the sandwiches.
   
3. Cook the Grilled Cheese:
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula. The bread should turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
   If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
   
4. Serve:
   Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet.
   Slice the sandwiches in half, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken breast, or even frozen chicken tenders (cooked and chopped) for this recipe.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a little more mozzarella or Parmesan if you want a super cheesy sandwich.
• Saucy Tip: Be mindful not to add too much marinara sauce to avoid soggy bread. Just a couple of spoonfuls per sandwich will do the trick.