Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese feels like pure culinary magic on a hectic weeknight.

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful sandwich mashup.

Crispy bread hugs melted cheese and tender chicken, creating an irresistible flavor explosion.

Weeknight dinner just got way more exciting with minimal effort.

Every bite promises satisfaction without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Cheese pulls and golden-brown edges beckon you to indulge in this simple yet spectacular meal.

Prepare to fall in love with dinner again.

Why Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Is Genius

  • Savor Fusion Flavors: Combine the classic comfort of grilled cheese with the beloved Italian-American chicken Parmesan, creating a mouthwatering mashup that delights taste buds.
  • Conquer Quick Cooking: Prepare a gourmet-style sandwich in minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like bread type, cheese varieties, or add extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring endless delicious variations.
  • Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Enjoy a crispy, golden-brown sandwich packed with melted cheese, tender chicken, and zesty marinara sauce that feels like a warm culinary hug.

What You Need for Lazy Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese

Bread Base:
  • Sourdough Bread: A tangy, hearty bread that provides a sturdy foundation for the grilled cheese sandwich.
Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that adds substance and complements the cheesy elements of the sandwich.
Cheese and Seasonings:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that melt beautifully and create a rich, gooey texture.
  • Oregano, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic Italian-inspired seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the sandwich.
Sauce and Spread:
  • Marinara Sauce: A zesty tomato-based sauce that brings a classic Italian touch to the grilled cheese.
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Easily

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Grab your sourdough slices and generously spread butter on one side of each piece. The butter will create a golden, crispy exterior that makes this sandwich irresistible.

Step 2: Start the Sizzle

Fire up a skillet over medium heat and gently place one slice of bread, butter-side down. Listen for that satisfying sizzle that signals the start of something delicious.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Explosion

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bread. Then create a mouthwatering stack with:
  • Sliced chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sprinkle of oregano
  • Dash of garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crack of black pepper

Step 4: Top and Seal

Crown your creation with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up.

This will be the golden lid to your flavor treasure.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Watch for that beautiful golden-brown color and listen for the cheese starting to melt and bubble.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Transfer your masterpiece to a plate, slice diagonally, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese in one epic sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Tips for Golden, Gooey Results

  • Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor and more authentic taste.
  • Slice chicken thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking and easier sandwich assembly.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for creamier texture and better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Toast bread on medium-low heat to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown crispiness.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or add red pepper flakes for extra kick and personalization.

Easy Twists on Lazy Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese

  • Pesto Paradise: Replace marinara sauce with basil pesto, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle Italian herbs for a fresh Mediterranean flavor.
  • Spicy Buffalo Blast: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce, include blue cheese crumbles, and add crispy bacon bits for extra heat and crunch.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Use Greek yogurt spread, add kalamata olives, spinach leaves, and feta cheese for a lighter, tangy Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
  • Ranch Roasted Remix: Drizzle ranch dressing, incorporate roasted red peppers, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.

What to Pair with This Comfort-Food Mashup

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, cheesy sandwich and cut through its heaviness with bright, acidic notes.
  • Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of herbs to balance the sandwich's indulgent flavors and add a light, refreshing element.
  • Match with Zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve extra warmed marinara sauce on the side for dunking, enhancing the Italian-inspired profile and adding an extra layer of tangy tomato goodness.

Storage Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover sandwich in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat Skillet: Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sandwich, place in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread crisps.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, place sandwich on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs About Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

  • Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with any sturdy bread like ciabatta, French bread, or thick-cut white bread that can hold the fillings without getting soggy.

  • Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or deli-sliced chicken work perfectly in this recipe for a quick and easy meal.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat bread, low-fat cheese, and add some fresh spinach or arugula inside the sandwich for extra nutrition.

  • What if I don't have fresh mozzarella?

No problem! Shredded mozzarella or a blend of cheeses like provolone and mozzarella will work just as well in this recipe.

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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese, blending classic Italian-American flavors with ultimate sandwich satisfaction. Melted cheese, crispy chicken, and marinara sauce create an irresistible fusion you’ll crave for an effortless meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and sliced

Cheese:

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

Bread and Seasoning:

  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet by heating it over medium temperature for optimal grilling.
  2. Apply butter generously to one exterior surface of each sourdough slice, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Position the first bread slice in the skillet with the buttered side facing downward, creating a crispy foundation.
  4. Spread a robust layer of marinara sauce across the bread, covering the surface evenly.
  5. Layer sliced chicken pieces methodically over the marinara, creating a protein-rich base.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously, allowing them to melt and blend seamlessly.
  7. Enhance the flavor profile by adding oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper as seasoning agents.
  8. Crown the sandwich with the second buttered bread slice, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
  9. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully melted cheese interior.
  10. Remove from heat, let rest momentarily, then slice diagonally for an appealing presentation.
  11. Serve immediately while the sandwich remains warm and the cheese maintains its luxurious, melted consistency.

Notes

  • Bread Selection: Choose sturdy sourdough bread that can withstand grilling and hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
  • Chicken Prep: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quicker meal that saves time and adds extra flavor.
  • Cheese Melting: Let cheese sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure smooth, even melting and prevent clumping.
  • Seasoning Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the classic flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 508
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1030 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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