Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan but don’t want to go through the hassle of breading, frying, and baking, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make sandwich that combines tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, flavorful marinara sauce, and crispy, buttery bread. This recipe takes the best parts of chicken parmesan and transforms them into a comforting grilled cheese sandwich that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Plus, it’s ready in just a few minutes!

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What Is Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on two comfort food classics—Chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese. It features shredded or leftover chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all grilled between slices of crispy, buttery bread. It’s the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures: crispy bread, cheesy, saucy chicken, and a toasty exterior, without the need for breading or frying chicken. It’s the perfect option for when you want a quick, cheesy meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, Italian, or any bread of your choice)
• 4 tablespoon butter (softened, for spreading on the bread)
• 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is easy to customize! Here are some substitution and variation ideas to make it your own:

• Cheese options: While mozzarella is classic, you can use provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra richness.
• Bread alternatives: You can use any bread you like, from sourdough to whole wheat, or even ciabatta for a more rustic feel.
• Chicken alternatives: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even breaded frozen chicken tenders (heated and chopped) work great.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce inside the sandwich for a spicy kick.
• Healthier version: Use whole wheat bread and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the sandwich.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the easy steps to make this delicious Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into small pieces. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with the marinara sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, place one slice of mozzarella cheese (or sprinkle some shredded mozzarella). Spoon the marinara-coated chicken onto the cheese, then top with another slice of mozzarella cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches buttered-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet. Let them cool slightly before slicing in half. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Cook Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:

1. Prepare the chicken and sauce: Toss the shredded chicken with marinara sauce.
2. Assemble the sandwiches: Layer mozzarella cheese, saucy chicken, and more cheese between slices of buttered bread.
3. Cook the sandwiches: Grill in a hot skillet until golden and crispy on both sides, with melted cheese inside.
4. Serve and garnish: Slice in half, garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:

• Overfilling the sandwich: Don’t overstuff the sandwich with too much chicken or sauce. Keep a balanced amount so that the sandwich stays intact and the cheese melts evenly.
• Burning the bread: Keep the heat on medium to medium-low to ensure the bread turns golden and crispy without burning before the cheese fully melts.
• Not using enough butter: Butter on the outside of the bread ensures a crispy, golden crust, so don’t skimp on it. Use softened butter for easy spreading.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Although Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a casual dish, you can still serve it with flair.

How to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Serve the sandwiches hot, straight from the skillet. Pair them with a simple side salad, fries, or even extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or a weekend snack.

Presentation Ideas for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

• Cut diagonally: Slice the sandwiches diagonally for a neat, café-style presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with dipping sauce: A small bowl of marinara sauce on the side is perfect for dipping each cheesy, crispy bite.

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese turns out perfectly every time:

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwiches and grill.
• Use a panini press: If you have a panini press, use it to make the sandwiches even easier to cook. It will press the sandwiches evenly while giving them those delicious grill marks.
• Customize the fillings: Feel free to add extra ingredients like pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or even spinach for a more flavorful sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe because it’s already cooked and easy to shred.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and marinara sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply assemble the sandwiches and cook them fresh.

3. Can I freeze Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
It’s best to eat this sandwich fresh, as freezing could make the bread soggy. However, you can freeze the chicken mixture and thaw it when ready to use.

4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for Chicken Parmesan, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.

5. What side dishes go well with Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
This sandwich pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, fries, or even a cup of soup for a more substantial meal.

Conclusion

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate quick and easy comfort food. With tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all grilled to perfection between slices of buttery bread, it’s the perfect fusion of two classic dishes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or a quick snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

So, grab your ingredients and make this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese tonight—it’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor!

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