This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and loaded with tender chicken and marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, this sandwich is everything you love about chicken parm in handheld form.
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Easy to Make: No need for complicated steps—this sandwich comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Comforting & Cheesy: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect gooey cheese pull, while the crispy bread adds texture.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken to make this sandwich even quicker.
- A Twist on a Classic: Combines the flavors of a chicken parm dinner with the convenience of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Key Ingredients for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
1. Cooked Chicken
- You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or frozen chicken tenders. Shred or slice the chicken for easy assembly.
2. Marinara Sauce
- A good-quality marinara or tomato sauce is essential for capturing the flavors of chicken Parmesan. Use store-bought or homemade.
3. Mozzarella Cheese
- Melted mozzarella is the star of this sandwich, giving it that stretchy, gooey cheese pull.
4. Parmesan Cheese
- Grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the mozzarella.
5. Bread
- Thick slices of bread like Italian, sourdough, or even Texas toast are ideal for holding up to the fillings and grilling to golden perfection.
6. Butter or Olive Oil
- Butter or olive oil is spread on the bread to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or thinly slice it. If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them according to package instructions, then slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay out two slices of bread. Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on each slice. On one slice, layer shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked chicken, more marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with another slice of mozzarella.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter the outside of each slice of bread or drizzle the skillet with olive oil. Place the sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Flip carefully and repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Serve
- Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Slice it in half and enjoy immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Tips for Making the Best Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
1. Use Thick Bread
- Thick slices of bread will hold up better to the fillings and prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
2. Pre-Cook the Chicken
- Use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie or leftovers to speed up the process. If cooking chicken from scratch, season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
3. Add Extra Cheese
- For a cheesier sandwich, feel free to add more mozzarella or even a slice of provolone.
4. Press the Sandwich
- Use a spatula to press the sandwich lightly while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly and create a crispy exterior.
5. Don’t Overload the Sandwich
- While it’s tempting to add a lot of sauce and fillings, keep it balanced to avoid a soggy sandwich.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce into the sandwich for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Rub the bread with a garlic clove before assembling the sandwich for a subtle garlic flavor. You can also sprinkle garlic powder over the buttered bread before grilling.
3. Extra Cheesy Chicken Parm
- Layer in an extra slice of provolone cheese or use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a super cheesy experience.
4. Pesto Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Spread a thin layer of pesto on the inside of the bread along with the marinara for a fresh, herby twist.
5. Vegetarian Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a veggie-packed version of this sandwich.
FAQs: Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
1. Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken Tenders?
- Yes! Using frozen chicken tenders or breaded chicken makes this recipe even easier. Just cook the tenders according to the package instructions, slice, and use them in the sandwich.
2. What’s the Best Bread to Use?
- Thick slices of Italian bread, sourdough, or Texas toast work best for this grilled cheese. They hold up well to the fillings and get nice and crispy on the outside.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- If you have leftovers, store the grilled sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
4. Can I Make This Sandwich Gluten-Free?
- Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this dish gluten-friendly.
5. What Can I Serve with This Sandwich?
- Serve this sandwich with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or pair it with a simple green salad or fries for a complete meal.
[tasty-recipe id=”3929″]