Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe: Cozy Comfort Genius

Lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese blends two comfort food classics into one mouthwatering sandwich that will make you swoon.

Melted cheese and crispy breading create an irresistible combo for busy weeknight dinners.

Weekends demand simple yet delicious meals that satisfy without hours of kitchen work.

Crisp bread hugs tender chicken and gooey mozzarella in a quick culinary embrace.

Marinara sauce adds a zesty punch that elevates this mashup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this genius recipe that looks and tastes impressive.

Grab a skillet and prepare to transform dinner into something spectacular you can’t wait to devour.

What Makes Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Great

• Savor Mash-Up Magic: Combine two beloved comfort foods – chicken parmesan and grilled cheese – into one mind-blowing sandwich that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Conquer Quick Meals: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy lunch moments, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish anyone can master without complex cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken tenders for leftover rotisserie chicken, experiment with different cheese blends, or add extra marinara sauce to personalize your sandwich experience and keep things exciting.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, this sandwich bridges generational taste preferences with its familiar, crispy, cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• White Bread: A classic sandwich bread that provides a crispy exterior and soft interior for this grilled cheese.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy bread surface with rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory aromatic note to the bread's exterior.

• Chicken Tender: Pre-cooked chicken that brings a protein-packed and hearty element to the sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that provides a creamy, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the grilled cheese.

How to Make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Warm a skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect cooking surface for a delicious grilled cheese adventure.

Step 2: Butter and Season the Bread

Spread butter generously on one side of each bread slice.

Sprinkle garlic powder across the buttered surface for an extra flavor kick.

Step 3: Build the Flavor-Packed Sandwich

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked chicken tender
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Step 4: Create the Sandwich Sandwich

Top the layered bread with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place the sandwiches in the heated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread transforms into a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece and the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut the sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while hot and irresistibly tempting.

Useful Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Swap chicken tenders for leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce cooking effort.
• Choose thick-cut bread like sourdough or Texas toast for extra crispiness and sturdier sandwich structure.
• Pat chicken dry before adding to sandwich to prevent soggy bread and maintain crisp texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina for more complex flavor profiles.
• Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste if time permits, otherwise quality store-bought works perfectly fine.

Creative Spins on Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread with large lettuce leaves, keeping all other ingredients the same for a gluten-free, lighter option.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Alternative: Swap chicken tender with grilled eggplant slices, maintaining marinara sauce and cheese layers for a plant-based substitute.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Remix: Use buffalo sauce instead of marinara, add crumbled blue cheese, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add sliced olives, and use Greek-style marinara sauce for a Mediterranean culinary experience.

Suggested Pairings for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Comfort Combo: Pair this grilled cheese with a crisp caesar salad for a balanced meal that combines warm, cheesy goodness with fresh greens.
• Dip Delight: Serve alongside extra marinara sauce or garlic aioli for an indulgent dunking experience that enhances the sandwich's rich flavors.
• Game Day Hero: Cut into smaller triangles for perfect appetizer-style bites that will be a hit at parties or while watching sports with friends.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Pack this sandwich in a lunch box with a small container of marinara for a gourmet midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.

Proper Storage for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Refrigerate leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to preserve texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, which helps restore the crispy exterior and melty cheese without drying out the sandwich.
• Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to quickly revive the sandwich's crunchiness and restore its original golden-brown appearance.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bread types like sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat bread. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.

• Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Shred or chop rotisserie chicken and use it as a convenient alternative to chicken tenders. It will work perfectly in this grilled cheese.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole grain bread, opt for low-fat cheese, and add some fresh spinach or arugula inside the sandwich for extra nutrients. You can also use a lighter butter or cooking spray.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Gooey chicken parmesan grilled cheese combines classic Italian-American comfort food with irresistible melted cheese. Crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and provolone meld together between golden-brown sourdough bread for an epic sandwich you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cooked breaded chicken tenders or cutlets

Cheeses:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Bread and Sauce Components:

• 4 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Italian)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-heat skillet and generously coat one side of each bread slice with butter, optionally dusting with garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
2. Arrange marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of two bread slices, creating a vibrant base for the sandwich.
3. Layer a fully cooked chicken tender atop the marinara, ensuring complete coverage of the bread surface.
4. Distribute shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the chicken, creating a rich, melty foundation.
5. Crown the sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side outward for optimal grilling.
6. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the preheated skillet, allowing them to cook for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns a golden, crispy brown.
7. Flip the sandwiches and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the bread achieves a uniform, crunchy texture.
8. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the cheese remains hot and gooey.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried basil to the marinara sauce for an extra aromatic touch.
• Swap regular chicken tenders with leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time and add variety.
• For a lighter version, use whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese alternatives to create a healthier sandwich option.
• Toast the bread slightly longer for an extra crispy exterior that provides a delightful crunch with each bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg