When life gets hectic, whipping up an elaborate meal isn’t always in the cards. That’s where the Effortless Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Delight comes in a fusion of two beloved comfort foods that will have you rethinking traditional chicken parmesan. Ready in just 15 minutes, this sandwich uses frozen breaded chicken patties, marinara sauce, melty Provolone, and Parmesan cheese, all encased in crispy, buttery Italian bread. It’s like enjoying a cozy Italian classic in record time. Perfect for those evenings when you crave something delicious without the kitchen marathon.
Description: A delicious fusion of chicken parmesan and grilled cheese with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: Approx. 600 kcal per sandwich
Ingredients:
2 frozen breaded chicken patties
4 slices of Italian bread
2 tbsp garlic butter
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 pinch garlic salt
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
6 thin slices of Provolone cheese
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Cook the frozen chicken patties according to the package instructions, either in the oven for extra crispiness or in the microwave for speed.
Prepare the Bread: All you need to do is apply garlic butter on one side of your Italian bread. Spice up the butter section with a pinch of garlic salt and a fine influence of dried basil.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the unbuttered side of each bread slice with Provolone cheese, and layer this with a cooked chicken patty, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and another slice of Provolone. Top with the other slice of bread, and the buttered side should be facing downwards.’
Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice each sandwich in half and serve with extra marinara for dipping if you’re feeling extra saucy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This recipe is about as effortless as it gets. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a great go-to meal when you want something tasty and satisfying without putting in a ton of effort.
Perfect Comfort Food: Combining the cheesy goodness of grilled cheese with the rich flavors of chicken parmesan, this sandwich is a cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Minimal Ingredients: With simple pantry ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of chicken parmesan without breading and frying chicken from scratch.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick lunch, a lazy dinner, or a midnight snack, this sandwich delivers taste and texture every time.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties: These provide the crispy chicken layer without the hassle. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can use leftover fried chicken or even grilled chicken slices for a lighter version.
Provolone Cheese: Known for its great melting quality, Provolone gives that gooey, stringy cheese pull everyone loves. Mozzarella, Swiss, or even Havarti cheese can work well as substitutes if you’re looking to switch up the flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Adding marinara gives this sandwich a signature chicken parmesan taste. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own with tomatoes, garlic, and a few Italian herbs.
Garlic Butter: Working garlic butter on the bread adds an added layer of savory zest and also makes the bread extra crispy on the outside. You can make your own by using ¼ cup of softened butter, to which you should add garlic powder or minced garlic.
Italian Bread: Italian bread holds up well to the fillings and crisps up nicely on the skillet. Substitute with sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole wheat bread if you want a different texture or flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Prepare the Chicken Patties: Start by baking or microwaving the chicken patties until they’re hot and crispy. Baking them will give a crispier result, while microwaving is faster.
Prep the Bread: Spread a generous layer of garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. Don’t skip this step! This will make the bread crispy and flavorful when grilled.
Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the cheese, chicken patty, marinara, Parmesan, and more cheese on the unbuttered side of two bread slices. Add the other slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
Grill to Perfection: To prepare the ahead sandwich, put it into a skillet heated over medium, then turn the sandwiches over. Fry until it is crispy on both sides and use the spatula to flatten it slightly while it fries in order to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve and Dip: Take the sandwiches, cut them in half diagonally, and accompany the dish with a small bowl of marinara sauce, warmed. Bon Appetit for each slice of cheese and crunchy piece!
Expert Tips for Success
Low and Slow is Best: Grilling the sandwich over medium to low heat ensures that the cheese melts fully before the bread gets too crispy.
Add Extra Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, add a bit more marinara in the middle, but don’t go overboard, as it can make the sandwich soggy.
Press Lightly: Pressing down on the sandwich with a spatula as it cooks helps the cheese melt and makes the sandwich extra crispy.
Variations and Customizations
Add a Spicy Kick: For a little bit of kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, use it on the chicken, or use some hot sauce on the chicken and then add the cheese.
Switch Up the Herbs: Try fresh basil, oregano, or parsley instead of dried basil for added freshness and flavor.
Make It a Meat Lover’s Sandwich: Layer in pepperoni or cooked sausage for an extra boost of flavor.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Storage: Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Although best enjoyed fresh, they reheat nicely.
Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a lid on top to help melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread chewy.
Freezing: You can assemble these sandwiches ahead and freeze them ungrilled. Grill straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes per side to make sure everything is hot.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs perfectly with the following:
A Fresh Salad: Serve with a side of Caesar or mixed greens to balance out the richness of the sandwich.
Soup: Tomato basil soup makes an amazing pairing and gives a cozy, Italian-inspired feel to the meal.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Add some classic sides for dipping into that extra marinara.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this with fresh chicken? Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled or breaded chicken, simply slice it and layer it into the sandwich.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Provolone works great because it melts smoothly, but mozzarella is also delicious if you want a classic chicken parm flavor.
Can I make these sandwiches in advance? Yes, assemble the sandwiches without grilling and refrigerate them. Grill just before serving to keep the bread crispy.
Can I add veggies? Sure! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can add more flavor and texture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Classic Grilled Cheese with Tomato – A twist on grilled cheese with a layer of fresh tomatoes.
Chicken Parmesan Sub – Get all the flavors of chicken parmesan in a hearty sub sandwich form.
Easy Chicken Parmesan – A simplified version of the classic Italian dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
With the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, you can have the best of both worlds crispy, cheesy grilled cheese and the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan. It’s an easy, satisfying recipe perfect for any time of day. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a treat-yourself snack, this sandwich delivers big flavor without a lot of work. Try it out and see why this easy-to-make meal is sure to become a favorite!
