There’s nothing better than a comforting grilled cheese sandwich—unless, of course, you take it up a notch with crispy chicken and rich marinara sauce. My Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect blend of two classics: a crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan and a warm, buttery grilled cheese. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
What I love about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Using frozen breaded chicken patties saves time without sacrificing that crispy texture. The combination of provolone and Parmesan melts beautifully, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy, herby touch. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold Italian-inspired flavors.
This sandwich is also versatile. You can make it for a quick solo meal or double the batch to feed a crowd. Plus, it pairs well with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a warm bowl of tomato soup. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick comfort meal or need an easy weeknight dinner, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
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2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
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2 tablespoons garlic butter, or to taste
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4 slices Italian bread
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1 cup marinara sauce
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½ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
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1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
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6 thin slices provolone cheese
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2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
How to Make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Bake the Chicken Patties
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen breaded chicken patties on a baking sheet, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and carefully cut each patty in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Sauce
While the chicken is baking, spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will create a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring once to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese on top, followed by 1 tablespoon of warmed marinara sauce. Add two chicken patty halves, slightly overlapping to cover the bread. Spoon another 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the chicken, then top with another slice of provolone cheese. Finally, place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Cook the sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure even browning. Once the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the leftover marinara sauce and serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!
How Long to Bake Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
The baking time for the chicken patties is crucial to achieving the perfect crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen breaded chicken patties for about 20 minutes. If you want an extra crispy finish, you can place them under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
For the grilled cheese itself, cooking each sandwich in a skillet over medium heat takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a golden, crispy crust while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning, and adjust the heat if necessary.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover sandwiches, store them properly to maintain their taste and texture. Here’s how:
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Refrigeration: Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: For the best results, reheat the sandwich in a skillet over low heat for 3–4 minutes per side. You can also use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
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Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Tips for the Perfect Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
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Use High-Quality Bread: Italian bread works best, but you can also use sourdough or a thick-cut sandwich loaf for extra sturdiness.
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Customize Your Cheese: While provolone melts beautifully, you can mix in mozzarella for an even cheesier experience.
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Extra Crispiness: To get an extra crunchy texture, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a slight kick.
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Perfect Heat Control: Cooking on medium heat ensures that the cheese melts while preventing the bread from burning. If needed, cover the skillet for a minute to help the cheese melt faster.
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More Flavor Options: Swap the garlic butter for a herbed butter blend with parsley, oregano, and a touch of Parmesan.
These tips will help you achieve a perfectly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese every time!
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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic grilled cheese, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect comfort meal. Quick to prepare and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, it’s ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
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2 tablespoons garlic butter, or to taste
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4 slices Italian bread
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1 cup marinara sauce
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½ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
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1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
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6 thin slices provolone cheese
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2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Bake the Chicken Patties
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place frozen breaded chicken patties on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Once done, cut each patty in half lengthwise.
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Prepare the Bread and Sauce
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Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, mix marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt.
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Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring once.
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Assemble the Sandwiches
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Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
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Layer with 2 slices provolone cheese, 1 tablespoon marinara sauce, 2 chicken patty halves, 2 tablespoons marinara sauce, and 1 more slice of provolone cheese.
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Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
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Grill the Sandwiches
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts.
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Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
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Serve
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Sprinkle Parmesan over the remaining marinara sauce and serve as a dipping sauce.
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Enjoy warm!
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Notes
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For extra crunch, toast the bread lightly before assembling.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
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Air fryer option: Cook assembled sandwich at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway.
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To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Frozen Breaded Patties?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken instead of frozen breaded patties. To do this, season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat them in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then cover with seasoned breadcrumbs. Pan-fry or bake them until golden brown and cooked through before assembling the sandwich.
2. What Type of Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
Italian bread is ideal because it holds up well and crisps beautifully when grilled. However, sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut Texas toast are great alternatives. Avoid thin or soft bread, as it may become soggy from the marinara sauce.
3. Can I Make This Sandwich in an Air Fryer?
Yes! To make it in an air fryer, assemble the sandwich as usual, then place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside.
4. How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
For a healthier version, use whole wheat bread and opt for a baked, unbreaded chicken breast instead of breaded patties. You can also reduce the cheese or use a low-fat option. Additionally, try making a homemade marinara sauce with no added sugar or preservatives.