Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

The Lazy Chef’s Heavenly Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Crafting the ultimate lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese demands minimal effort but promises maximum flavor.

Comfort food meets clever culinary shortcuts in this mouthwatering mashup.

Crispy bread, melted cheese, and tender chicken create a delightful sandwich that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this ingenious recipe.

Minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in mere minutes.

Layers of gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and seasoned chicken elevate this sandwich from simple to spectacular.

Jump into this delicious adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Overview

  • Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this delicious chicken parmesan grilled cheese in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when hunger strikes.
  • Comfort Food Fusion: Combine the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the beloved grilled cheese, creating a mouthwatering mashup that satisfies comfort food cravings.
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Use simple pantry staples like bread, cheese, chicken, and marinara sauce to create a restaurant-worthy sandwich at home with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for family dinners, casual gatherings, or solo indulgence.

Ingredients for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Provides a tender and flavorful protein element for the grilled cheese sandwich.
Bread and Cheese:
  • White Bread, Sourdough Bread: Creates a crispy exterior and soft interior for the sandwich.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, melty, and savory cheese flavors to complement the chicken.
Sauce and Spread:
  • Marinara Sauce: Brings a tangy and classic Italian tomato flavor to the grilled cheese.
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

Preparation for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Surface

Fire up a skillet over medium heat to create the perfect golden-brown canvas for your sandwich masterpiece.

Step 2: Butter Up the Bread

Generously spread butter on the exterior sides of each bread slice, ensuring a crispy, rich exterior.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Explosion

On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, create a mouthwatering layer with:
  • Mozzarella slice
  • Shredded chicken
  • Marinara sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich Stack

Crown your flavor foundation with another mozzarella slice, then top with the second bread slice (butter side facing outward).

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the sandwich in the heated skillet, gently pressing down to help it cook evenly.

Grill until each side transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crispy delight, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer your crispy, cheesy creation to a plate and dive into the ultimate comfort food experience.

Each bite promises a harmony of melted cheese, tender chicken, and tangy marinara that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Shred rotisserie chicken for extra taste and save time prepping.
  • Use less marinara to prevent soggy bread and maintain crispy texture.
  • Let cheese come to room temperature for smoother, more even melting.
  • Press sandwich gently with spatula while grilling to achieve golden-brown crust.
  • Try sourdough or Italian bread for different flavor profiles and crunchier texture.

Variations on Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Vegetarian Deconstructed Sandwich: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices for a meat-free version that maintains the same rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free bread and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, allowing those with wheat sensitivities to enjoy this comfort meal.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap marinara for salsa, and include pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired grilled cheese experience.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip bread entirely and wrap ingredients in large lettuce leaves, creating a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced alternative that still delivers maximum taste.

Serving Suggestions for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this indulgent grilled cheese with a crisp garden salad to balance the richness.
  • Dip and Delight: Serve extra marinara sauce on the side for a tangy dunking experience that elevates each cheesy bite.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the sandwich with a light, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy cheese.
  • Movie Night Star: Make this sandwich the centerpiece of a cozy weekend movie marathon with friends or family, perfect for casual gatherings.

Storage Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Store leftover sandwich in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Carefully place sandwich in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Separate sandwiches with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap sandwich and place on baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even warming and restore crispiness.
  • Warm skillet over medium-low heat. Add sandwich and cover with lid. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, allowing cheese to melt and bread to regain crunchiness without burning.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use any bread like sourdough, white, or whole wheat. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.

  • What if I don't have shredded chicken?

Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, or you can quickly dice and cook chicken breast as a replacement. Canned chicken is also a quick alternative.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use whole grain bread, reduce butter amount, choose low-fat cheese, and add some fresh spinach or arugula for extra nutrition.

  • Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?

While it’s best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can pre-cook the chicken and have ingredients ready to assemble quickly when hungry.

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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets Italian flair in this lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese, blending crispy chicken, melted mozzarella, and marinara sauce between golden-brown bread. Cheese pulls and savory flavors promise a quick, satisfying meal that delights with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 chicken breast (cooked, shredded or sliced)

Cheeses:

  • 2 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Bread and Cooking Components:

  • 2 slices of bread (any kind)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) marinara sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a medium-heat skillet for optimal grilling conditions.
  2. Generously coat one exterior side of each bread slice with creamy butter for a golden, crispy finish.
  3. Layer the interior of one bread slice strategically: first, a smooth mozzarella slice, followed by tender shredded chicken pieces.
  4. Drizzle a rich marinara sauce over the chicken, creating a flavorful base layer.
  5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory profile of the sandwich.
  6. Complete the layering with another mozzarella slice, then crown with the second bread slice, butter side facing outward.
  7. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwich to the heated skillet, applying gentle pressure with a spatula.
  8. Grill for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden-brown and develops a delightful crispy texture.
  9. Flip the sandwich and repeat the grilling process on the opposite side, ensuring even browning and melted cheese.
  10. Remove from heat, let rest momentarily to allow cheese to set, then slice diagonally for an appetizing presentation.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, showcasing the melted cheese and crispy exterior.

Notes

  • Elevate the sandwich’s flavor by using homemade marinara sauce for a fresher, richer taste.
  • Swap regular chicken with rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra juiciness to the grilled cheese.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or try using large lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or mixing in some sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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