Description
Lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese blends Italian-American comfort classics into one irresistible sandwich. Melted mozzarella, crispy chicken, and marinara sauce create a quick meal that will satisfy hungry diners seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced (or frozen breaded chicken, cooked)
Cheese:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters / 2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Base and Sauce:
- 4 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish:
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Transform pre-cooked or frozen breaded chicken into bite-sized pieces for optimal sandwich integration.
- Select thick, sturdy bread slices that can withstand the robust filling and grilling process.
- Generously apply marinara sauce across bread surface, creating a flavor-rich foundation.
- Strategically layer mozzarella cheese, creating a protective barrier for the chicken layer.
- Distribute chicken pieces evenly across the cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory profile and add textural complexity.
- Top with another mozzarella slice to create a melty, gooey interior.
- Crown the sandwich with the second bread slice, pressing gently to compact ingredients.
- Thoroughly coat exterior bread surfaces with softened butter for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
- Dust buttered sides with garlic powder for an aromatic flavor enhancement.
- Preheat skillet to medium heat (approximately 350°F) to achieve perfect caramelization.
- Carefully position sandwiches in the skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until bread turns golden and cheese melts completely.
- Transfer to cutting board, allowing brief resting period for cheese stabilization.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve alongside additional marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Choose pre-cooked or frozen breaded chicken to save time and simplify the cooking process.
- Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for better melting and a gooier texture in the grilled cheese.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or Italian bread to add extra flavor and crunch.
- Swap breaded chicken with grilled or rotisserie chicken for a lighter, healthier version of the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg