Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Meet comfort food at its most irresistible—Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese! This ooey-gooey, crispy sandwich packs all the best flavors of classic chicken parm into melty, golden grilled cheese form. If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick to make and totally satisfying, this mashup will become your new go-to. Let’s dive into the good stuff!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a short list of ingredients can make something this crave-worthy! Each staple here does some serious heavy lifting—from the luscious cheese melt to the crispy breaded chicken, and that essential garlic-kissed bread. Every bite is the sum of thoughtfully chosen flavors and textures.

• Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties: The secret shortcut! These deliver that signature “fried” crunch without any deep-frying or mess.
• Garlic Butter: Slathered on the bread, it adds a garlicky punch and helps the bread toast up beautifully golden and fragrant.
• Italian Bread: Sturdy enough for hearty fillings, but tender and flavorful. Aim for a fresh loaf with a soft crumb and crisp crust.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides the essential tomato tang—choose your favorite jarred brand or homemade. Make sure it’s thick enough to not make the sandwich soggy!
• Dried Basil: Just a pinch transforms plain marinara into something truly aromatic and Italian-inspired.
• Garlic Salt: Rounds out the sauce with a subtle, savory boost (and a touch more garlic never hurts!).
• Provolone Cheese: Creamy and extra-melty, Prov is the star cheese here. It melts into silky ribbons inside the sandwich.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, salty finish sprinkled over the sandwiches and the saucy dip—truly non-negotiable.

Variations

This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is endlessly customizable! Whether you want to use up what’s in your fridge or adjust for dietary preferences, don’t hesitate to switch things up and truly make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or use pepper jack cheese for a fiery twist.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free bread and chicken tenders to make this a celiac-friendly treat.
• Veggie Version: Substitute breaded eggplant rounds for the chicken patties for a satisfying vegetarian take.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Switch out some provolone for fresh mozzarella slices for an extra gooey, classic Chicken Parm melt.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Bake the Chicken Patties

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken patties for about 20 minutes, or until they’re tantalizingly crispy and golden. This step is crucial—no one wants a soggy sandwich! Once baked, cut each patty in half lengthwise so they fit perfectly into the grilled cheese layers.

Step 2: Warm the Marinara Sauce

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine your marinara sauce, dried basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Heat it on high for 30-60 seconds until it’s nice and warm. This extra spice boost brings out so much flavor and takes jarred sauce to the next level.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

Spread the garlic butter generously on one side of each slice of Italian bread. This not only helps achieve that golden, crispy crust, but also fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of toasted garlic as the sandwiches cook.

Step 4: Build Your Sandwiches

On a skillet set over medium heat, place one slice of bread (butter-side down). Top with two slices of provolone, a tablespoon or so of marinara sauce, two chicken patty halves, a little extra marinara, another slice of provolone, and finish with the second slice of bread (butter-side up this time). Layering the cheese on both sides of the chicken creates maximum melt factor and keeps everything deliciously contained.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Let the sandwich cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula now and then. The bread should be deeply golden and crispy, and you’ll know it’s ready when you peek underneath and see sizzling, melty cheese peeking out.

Step 6: Finish, Serve, and Dip!

Repeat the process for the second sandwich. Pile them onto plates, sprinkle a flurry of shredded Parmesan over your extra marinara (for dipping, naturally!), and prepare for the happiest kind of cheese pull. Your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is now ready for its starring role at the dinner table!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of shredded Parmesan on top goes a long way—salty and nutty, it’s the crowning glory! For extra color and a burst of freshness, scatter some finely chopped parsley or basil over the sandwiches right before serving. It makes the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches are fantastic alongside a bright, crisp green salad with Italian dressing, or a pile of oven-roasted vegetables. If you want the full comfort food experience, try a classic Caesar salad, some crunchy kettle chips, or even a bowl of tomato soup for extra dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your sandwiches into triangles and stack them on a platter with small dipping bowls of marinara for game days or parties. Or serve open-faced with extra cheese melted over the top, and pass with forks and knives for a fun twist on Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese “toasties.” Mini versions make amazing appetizers for a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), wrap cooled Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Pop them in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for best texture and flavor. The bread will soften, but a quick reheat brings the magic back.

Freezing

For longer storage, individually wrap sandwiches (once completely cooled) in foil, then slide them into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. If possible, freeze before the skillet step, then thaw and toast fresh for crispier bread, but fully-assembled sandwiches can be frozen too.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers right from the fridge in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or warm them up in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping until the cheese is melted and the bread perks up. A toaster oven also works wonders. Microwave is fastest, but the bread won’t crisp up as well.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love both Italian classics and the undeniable comfort of grilled cheese, the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is about to become a favorite in your kitchen. I hope you give it a try soon and savor every gooey, saucy, golden-crisp bite—you deserve this kind of deliciousness!

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